The storm surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun and the deceased actress Kim Sae-ron has once again roiled the surface, this time with a ferocity and public spectacle that is deeply unsettling. Unlike the whispered rumors that once circulated online, the latest accusations have emanated directly from Kim Sae-ron’s family, elevating the saga to a perilous new height of gravity, as reported by JTBC and other media outlets on Tuesday. If Kim Soo-hyun’s side truly believes these allegations to be “groundless and beneath notice,” then the urgency for a decisive resolution has never been more profound.
The situation is tangled and fraught: Kim Sae-ron, the pivotal figure at the heart of these accusations, is no longer among us, leaving Kim Soo-hyun exposed to potentially devastating reputational harm. As the media latches onto these claims and public sentiment grows increasingly fervent, the lack of a definitive clarification threatens to unravel his reputation further and erode trust in unprecedented ways.
The controversy reignited on Monday when the YouTube channel Hoverlab (also known as the Garo Sero Institute) unveiled a video featuring Kim Sae-ron’s aunt, who leveled a series of grave accusations. She alleged that the actress had been entangled in a six-year romantic relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, then aged 27, beginning when she was just 15. Additionally, she accused his agency, Gold Medalist, of financial irregularities, manipulation during Kim’s agency transition, and a failure to provide support following her DUI scandal in 2022.
The demand for a clear and concise explanation from Kim Soo-hyun has intensified. Most notably, the allegation that she was involved in a relationship with him while still a minor has sparked intense scrutiny, prompting old photographs and interviews to resurface online like ghostly remnants of a bygone era.
The family’s decision to speak out lent a credibility to the allegations that previous rumors lacked. Public fascination soared, not necessarily due to the YouTube channel itself, which is often criticized for its sensationalist tactics, but rather because of the involvement of Kim Sae-ron’s kin.
Gold Medalist issued a robust rebuttal. In a statement, the agency branded the accusations as “obviously fabricated and utterly unacceptable,” citing specific allegations – including the underage dating claim, mishandling of the DUI scandal, and supposed connections between the agency’s manager and another YouTuber – as “malicious lies.”
“We are considering the strongest possible legal action against this outrageous dissemination of misinformation,” the agency declared. “These claims are not merely defamatory towards our actor; they insult the memory and dignity of the deceased.” The agency also emphasized that such tactics mirrored the cyberbullying that Kim Sae-ron had endured throughout her life.
The statement declared, "This serves as a textbook illustration of cyber scavenging behavior, which caused immense distress to the late Kim Sae-ron. The act of disseminating falsehoods for personal gain, while exploiting the deceased's name, is utterly reprehensible and cannot be condoned." The agency concluded their statement with heartfelt condolences, stating, "As Kim Sae-ron was once a cherished member of our agency, we mourn her passing deeply and implore the public not to propagate or replicate these baseless rumors further."
Nonetheless, the controversy continues to gather momentum like an avalanche. Old photographs of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron have resurfaced online, sparking rampant speculation in public forums. Some have noted the eerie coincidence that Kim Sae-ron passed away on Kim Soo-hyun's birthday, fueling even more questions. Others have commented on the actor's absence at her funeral, interpreting it in various ways.
In retaliation to Gold Medalist's legal threat, Hoverlab responded with ridicule. The channel accused Kim Soo-hyun of attempting to intimidate the grieving family and even invoked previous lawsuits involving celebrities. The rhetoric reached new heights of sarcasm, with jabs about Kim Soo-hyun's absence at Kim Sae-ron's funeral: "Even actor Won Bin attended. Why didn't you? Don't you possess the decency to behave like a human being?"
This case underscores an unsettling truth about the current media landscape: once allegations are aired, even in the absence of evidence, they can cause irreparable harm. In this particular instance, where the accused is still alive but the alleged victim is silenced forever, the repercussions are particularly grave.
Observers emphasize that this is no longer a trivial matter that can be dismissed as mere gossip. The involvement of the bereaved family has lent the controversy a gravity that cannot be ignored. As one netizen eloquently put it, "If it's truly a lie, then prove it unequivocally — because this has the potential to ruin someone's life."
Despite the controversy, Kim Soo-hyun remains one of Korea's most bankable actors. He is currently immersed in filming the Disney+ series "Knock Off" and recently showcased his lighter side on MBC's "Good Day." He continues to serve as the face of over 10 commercial brands, attesting to his robust endorsement value.
However, unresolved controversies such as this could cast a lingering shadow over his career resurgence. Industry insiders caution that without a swift and credible resolution, reputational damage — even if undeserved — could persist.
Kim Sae-ron was discovered deceased at her home in the Seongdong District on February 16th at 4:54 p.m. She had been scheduled to meet a friend that day, who ultimately found her body. Police confirmed the absence of any foul play and the lack of a suicide note. The young actress had retreated from the limelight following her DUI incident in 2022, which resulted in the cancellation of several projects and her departure from Gold Medalist.
