In a press conference that has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s entertainment industry, the family of actress Kim Sae-ron — who passed away earlier this year — has come forward with serious allegations against top actor Kim Soo-hyun. Represented by attorney Bu Ji-seok, the family addressed the media to shed light on what they claim to be a long-suppressed relationship and a troubling pattern of events involving Soo-hyun.
According to the attorney, Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun were allegedly romantically involved since she was a teenager — a claim Kim Soo-hyun has vehemently denied. His camp insists the relationship, if any, began when Kim Sae-ron had already reached the legal age.
However, the attorney presented details that raised more questions than answers. Among the revelations was the disclosure of two legal notices sent by Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, warning Kim Sae-ron against contacting the actor. These notices reportedly followed an attempt by Sae-ron to reconnect with him during a period of emotional and financial hardship — particularly after her DUI incident in 2022, which had significantly affected her career.
The family also claimed that Soo-hyun insisted on using encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram instead of more common Korean apps like KakaoTalk, allegedly to avoid leaving any trace of their conversations.
More controversially, the press conference included accusations against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, who allegedly spread harmful and false narratives about Kim Sae-ron online. The family believes this contributed to her deteriorating mental health and ultimately isolated her further.
Kim Soo-hyun’s legal representatives have responded strongly to the allegations. They have filed a defamation lawsuit against the late actress’s family and those involved in the press conference, demanding compensation and a formal retraction. According to their statement, all accusations are “malicious and fabricated” with the intent to harm the actor’s reputation.
The unfolding controversy has sparked a nationwide debate on celebrity privacy, the ethics of digital media, and the long-term consequences of public scrutiny. While fans remain divided, many are urging for a more humane approach in handling personal tragedies and unresolved disputes in the public eye.
