Kim Soo-hyun spoke at a press conference about rumors involving Kim Sae-ron. He said, “I was weak, but I never dated her when she was underage.” He clearly denied all the accusations.
Kim Soo-hyun Denies Underage Relationship with Kim Sae-ron
In an emotionally charged press conference held on Monday, South Korean superstar Kim Soo-hyun publicly addressed the swirling rumors regarding his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, as well as indirect connections to the passing of fellow actress Sulli. Flanked by his lawyer, Kim Jong-bok, the actor delivered a lengthy statement—his first public remarks on the matter—seeking to clarify misinformation while acknowledging his own shortcomings in handling the situation.
Addressing the Core Allegations
The controversy began when Kim Sae-ron’s family accused the actor of having an inappropriate relationship with her when she was still a minor, along with claims that his agency pressured her over financial debts before her tragic death. These allegations gained traction after leaked KakaoTalk messages from 2016 surfaced, allegedly showing flirtatious exchanges between the two.
Kim Soo-hyun firmly denied these claims, stating:
“I did not date Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. Our relationship began in the summer of 2019, after she had legally become an adult. The messages being circulated are either fabricated or taken out of context.”
To support his defense, he presented a forensic analysis of the alleged 2016 and 2018 chat logs, which reportedly confirmed that the conversations were manipulated and involved different individuals.
Admitting Past Mistakes but Denying Wrongdoing
While Kim Soo-hyun refuted the accusations of grooming, he acknowledged his failure to be transparent. He admitted that he had previously denied their relationship when rumors emerged while airing his hit drama Queen of Tears.
“At the time, I was afraid of the repercussions—not just for myself, but for the cast, crew, and staff who had worked tirelessly on the project. I chose to protect my career over honesty, and for that, I apologize.”
He expressed deep regret for how his silence may have contributed to the pain of Kim Sae-ron’s family and fans, calling himself a “coward” for not speaking up sooner.
Debunking Claims of Involvement in Her Death
One of the most serious allegations against Kim Soo-hyun was that he or his agency played a role in Kim Sae-ron’s mental distress before her passing. He vehemently denied this, stating:
“It is not true that she made her tragic choice because of me or due to pressure from my agency. We had already broken up and were living separate lives by then.”
He revealed that after their breakup, they had minimal contact, and he was even hesitant to reach out during her DUI scandal in 2021, knowing she was in another relationship at the time.
Legal Action Against False Accusations
Frustrated by what he called “manipulated evidence and false testimonies,” Kim Soo-hyun announced that he had filed a lawsuit against Kim Sae-ron’s family and the operators of a YouTube channel spreading the allegations. His legal team is seeking 12 billion won (approx. $8.7 million) in damages for defamation.
His lawyer, Kim Jong-bok, emphasized that the unverified claims had severely damaged the actor’s reputation and career.
Connection to Sulli’s Controversy
Separately, Kim Soo-hyun also addressed renewed scrutiny over his 2017 film Real, in which co-star Sulli faced intense backlash for a controversial topless scene. Her brother recently claimed she was pressured into filming it despite initial promises of a body double.
While Kim Soo-hyun did not directly respond to the specifics of those claims, he expressed remorse over how the film’s reception affected Sulli, saying:
“I deeply regret any pain she endured. At the time, I was focused on my role and didn’t fully grasp the extent of her suffering.”
Final Plea for Truth and Accountability
In his closing remarks, Kim Soo-hyun struck a somber yet defiant tone:
“I will accept criticism for my mistakes, but I will not accept lies. I am prepared to fight legally to clear my name. To those who have supported me, I am sorry for the pain this has caused. I only ask that the truth be judged fairly.”
Public and Industry Reaction
The press conference has sparked mixed reactions online. Some fans have expressed support, praising his willingness to confront the allegations head-on. Others remain skeptical, demanding further proof of his innocence. Industry insiders suggest that the legal battle could drag on for months, potentially impacting his upcoming projects.
Conclusion
Kim Soo-hyun’s press conference marks a pivotal moment in a scandal that has gripped South Korea’s entertainment industry. While he has taken responsibility for his lack of transparency, he has drawn a firm line against what he calls “false accusations designed to destroy” his reputation. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public will be watching closely to see whether his defense holds up—and whether this controversy will leave a lasting stain on his illustrious career.
