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By Priyamm Dangi
Queen of Tears star Kim Soo-hyun has been facing backlash ever since his ex-girlfriend Kim Sae-ron passed away on February 16, 2025 – which also happens to be his birthday. The actor has been under constant scrutiny since then, and is alleged to have dated the late actress when she was just 15, while he was 27. While the actor has not denied the allegations of dating Sae-ron, he claimed that the two got into a relationship when the actress had reached adulthood. Here’s the lowdown on the controversy…
Kim Sae-ron dies by suicide on Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday
After Sae-ron’s death, the actress’ family accused Soo-hyun of being a ‘paedophile’. They have been sharing pictures and screenshots of the two being in a relationship when Sae-ron was still a minor. The family also accused Soo-hyun of demanding money from Sae-ron after her alleged ‘drunk driving’ case. Additionally, the family has also accused the actor of abetting the actress to end her life.
Luxury brand cancels its association with Kim Soo-hyun
As the controversy gathered steam, luxury brand Prada ended its collaboration with Soo-hyun. “We would like to inform you that after considering the severity of the issue, our collaboration with Kim Soo-hyun has been mutually concluded. The contract has been terminated,” read their official statement.
Kim Soo-hyun confessed to dating Kim Sae-ron
The controversy further escalated when Soo-hyun made a public appearance on March 31. At the press conference, he admitted to having an affair with Sae-ron when she was 19, but denied having any relation with her when she was a minor. He said, “I’ll address the biggest concern—I did not date the deceased when she was a minor. We dated five years ago for about a year, long before Queen of Tears aired.”
The actor also told the media that he refrained from making any claims earlier because he was concerned about the consequences on his career and the South Korean romantic comedy series. However, his statement further enraged netizens, who accused him of trying to manipulate the audience.
Images of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron shared online
In response to Soo-hyun’s statement, the YouTube channel of Garosero Research Institute released a set of pictures, videos and screenshots of the two being involved in a relationship when the late actress was still a minor.
Leaked chats of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron
Just days after the press conference, a chat between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron was leaked online, in which Soo-hyun was found expressing his discontent at Sae-Ron’s behaviour. The message read, “Oppa, when you miss me and need me, you keep in touch with me without a problem, but when I need you, you’re always MIA. It bothers me that I can’t get in contact with you, and it’s inconvenient. If you don’t put in the effort, then I’m not seeing you anymore (sic).” This text was said to be sent by Sae-ron at around 2am on April 13, 2018.
New legislative action in South Korea
This controversy has sparked widespread discussion about child protection laws in South Korea, resulting in authorities formulating new regulations aimed at protecting minors from sexual abuse in South Korea.
Portions featuring Kim Soo-hyun edited out of Good Day’s latest episodeAmid the ongoing controversy, Soo-hyun’s parts have been edited out of another show Good Day’s latest episode. The production team of the variety show stated that they “decided to edit out Kim Soo-hyun’s appearances as much as possible”.
