Kim Soo-hyun Faces Allegations of Underage Relationship With Late Actress Kim Sae-ron

The accusations, which include a six-year relationship and financial disputes, have led to widespread backlash against the South Korean actor.

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has been accused of having a six-year relationship with actress Kim Sae-ron, starting when she was 15 and he was 27, according to claims made by a YouTube channel and her family members.
Kim Sae-ron, who died by suicide in February 2025, reportedly faced financial pressure after her contract with Gold Medalist ended and the agency demanded repayment of approximately $480,000 they had covered following her 2022 DUI incident.
The allegations include purported text messages, photos, and letters suggesting a romantic relationship, as well as claims that Kim Sae-ron provided unpaid labor to help establish Gold Medalist, the agency co-founded by Kim Soo-hyun.
Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has denied the allegations and announced plans to pursue legal action against the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, which first reported the claims.
Public backlash against Kim Soo-hyun has intensified, with brands severing ties and his social media following declining, as additional materials and testimonies continue to surface online.