Amidst swirling controversy and public outcry, actor Kim Soo-Hyun has released a statement urging for a "proper, swift" investigation into allegations surrounding his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron. The scandal, which initially erupted in March of this year, centers around claims made by a YouTube channel, HoverLab Inc., and later amplified by Kim Sae Ron's family, alleging that the two were romantically involved for six years, beginning when Kim Sae Ron was only 15 years old. Kim Soo-Hyun was 27 at the time.
The allegations, which surfaced following Kim Sae Ron’s death in February, quickly ignited heated debates across social media, with many users condemning Kim Soo-Hyun for alleged inappropriate conduct with a minor. Kim Sae Ron's family presented what they claimed to be evidence, including KakaoTalk messages from 2016 containing affectionate phrases and heart emojis, as well as an unsent letter from the late actress.
Kim Soo-Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, initially denied all dating claims, dismissing them as "clearly false and baseless" and vowing to pursue legal action against HoverLab for spreading falsehoods. However, the agency later confirmed that Kim Soo-Hyun and Kim Sae Ron did date, but only between the summer of 2019 and the fall of 2020, after she had reached adulthood.
In his recent statement, Kim Soo-Hyun reiterated his denial of dating Kim Sae Ron during her minor years. He expressed deep distress over the situation and the toll it has taken on his mental health. Gold Medalist stated that Kim Soo Hyun has been suffering from "extreme confusion and chaos" due to the allegations. The actor also refuted the authenticity of alleged text messages and accused HoverLab of distorting facts and using AI technology to fabricate evidence.
Kim Soo-Hyun has filed lawsuits against Kim Se Ui, the operator of Hoverlab, for defamation, spreading false information, blackmail, harassment, and monitoring. He is also seeking compensation of 12 billion won. Gold Medalist has also warned of legal action against another YouTuber, Lee Jin-ho, for allegedly exposing Kim Sae Ron's private life and stalking her bereaved family.
The Gangnam Police Department in Seoul, which has faced criticism for delays in investigating the cases related to Kim Se Ui, has announced that it will assign the cases to a specialized investigation team to expedite the process. According to police, the investigation into Kim Soo-Hyun-related cases has made significant progress, with evidence sent to the National Forensic Agency for analysis.
The controversy has not only impacted Kim Soo-Hyun's personal life but has also led to professional repercussions. While Disney+ has remained silent on the matter, there have been reports of brands cutting ties with the actor. Actress Seo Ye-ji, who was rumored to have dated Kim Soo-Hyun in 2020, has also spoken out about the malicious comments she has received as a result of the scandal.
As the investigation continues, Kim Soo-Hyun has urged the public to refrain from spreading further baseless rumors and to allow the legal process to unfold fairly. He maintains his innocence and is determined to clear his name from the damaging allegations.
