Kim Soo-hyun, star of The Queen of Tears (2024) and My Love from the Star (2013) held a press conference in Seoul where he broke his silence on his relationship with late actress Kim Sae-ron. The actor, dressed in black, addressed pedophilia rumours and leaked private pictures with the Kim Sae-ron during a time when she was allegedly underage.
The scandal began with the leak of private images by YouTube channel Hoverlab, allegedly featuring a 27-year-old Kim Soo-hyun with a 16-year-old Kim Sae-ron. These images sparked online speculation and rage directed at the actor. The scandal also led to Kim Soo-hyun being dropped by luxury fashion house Prada.
Past incidents involving the late Kim Sae-ron resurfaced, including a DUI incident in 2022 that reportedly resulted in significant financial damages she owed her former agency Gold Medalist amounting to around RM2.1 million (KRW ₩700 million), and allegations that Kim Soo-hyun had provided her with the funds, only to later demand her to pay him back.
Kim Sae-ron was most well-known as child actor in The Man from Nowhere (2010). She was a rising actress before her DUI incident in 2022 made her fade into obscurity. She took her own life on Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday February 16, 2025, leading many to believe the events were linked.
In the highly anticipated press conference in Seoul, a tearful Kim Soo-hyun admitted to a brief romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron four years ago, before they ultimately parted ways. “I accept responsibility for what I have done and will take any criticism for it. But I cannot take responsibility for something I did not do. For the people who still believe in me, I want to set the record straight.”
“Her family accuses me of driving her to her death just because I was her ex-boyfriend. They are pressuring me to confess things I didn’t do.” He said as his voice broke.
The press conference did not change the minds of social media users who were once former fans of the Korean star. Many are believing him to be putting on a show to gain sympathy from the public.
not #KimSooHyun crying in public asking for mercy while denying all the accusations exactly like the way we expected. i see nothing difference from his crying scene in drama & real life. ALL FAKE pic.twitter.com/qRIekqqGnS
— (@kdramasfangirl) March 31, 2025
This is pedo #KimSooHyun just days after #KimSaeron 's death.Remember this is who he is . He'd have never admitted to anything if the photos and chats weren't leaked . He's pulling up his greatest act for his oppa fans and y'all are buying it. https://t.co/p1BUTBOw4U pic.twitter.com/xjcL4HcSPL
— . (@SaturnRings_8) March 31, 2025
However, there are also a strong base of supporters continues to stand by Kim Soo-hyun. Who believe the images leaked are a campaign to destroy his public image.
KSH: “For everyone who still believes in me, I want to make this one thing clear. I won’t ask you to trust me, I will prove it to you. Thank you.”
We will stand with you between the Heavens and the Earth!! know that we trust, love and support you always ❤️ … pic.twitter.com/KTPtRgaYMo
— Soohyunn (@_soohyuniie_) March 31, 2025
“ ! ❤️ ”#KSH_FACTCHECK#WeStandWithKimSooHyun #KimSooHyun#김수현 pic.twitter.com/iVZaCCOSkP
— ʝρ_ƙՁ1б (@jp_k216) March 27, 2025
(Hero and feature images courtesy of Han Myung-HeGu/WireImage/Getty Images)
