Kim Soo-hyun has strongly denied allegations from a YouTube channel claiming he was in a long-term relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
According to Soompi, the YouTube channel HoverLab Inc. (also known as Garo Sero Institute) released a video alleging that the Queen of Tears actor was romantically involved with the former child star for six years. The channel claimed the relationship began in 2015, when Sae-ron was 15 and Kim was 27.
Kim Soo-hyun’s Agency Responds to Allegations
The channel stated that it verified this information through Sae-ron’s parents and supported the claim with a phone interview with a family member.
In response, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, issued an official statement on March 11, refuting the claims as “clearly false and baseless.”
HoverLab further alleged that Kim Soo-hyun and his agency colluded with YouTuber Lee Jin Ho to harass Sae-ron. The accusations included claims of an improper romantic relationship and mishandling of Sae-ron’s 2022 drunk-driving incident.
Gold Medalist firmly denied these allegations, stating:
“These malicious claims directed at our company and actor Kim Soo-hyun are entirely false and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. We are currently reviewing the strongest possible legal actions against HoverLab Inc. for spreading these falsehoods.”
The agency also expressed deep condolences over Kim Sae-ron’s passing and criticized the YouTube channel for exploiting the situation for personal gain.
Kim Sae-ron tragically passed away on February 2024, at the age of 24, coinciding with Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday.
“Our company mourns the loss of Kim Sae-ron, who was once part of our agency. However, HoverLab Inc.’s false claims mirror the cyber harassment that caused her so much pain in her lifetime.”
New Allegations and Released Evidence
On March 12, The Korea Times reported new claims, including an alleged text message and a never-before-seen “kissing” photo of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron.
According to HoverLab, in an alleged message dated March 19, 2024, Kim Sae-ron reached out to Kim Soo-hyun regarding a legal dispute over unpaid debts:
“Oppa, it’s Sae-ron. I received the content-certified letter. You’re suing me… I’ve been preparing for my return to acting, and I plan to repay you gradually from each project. It’s not that I won’t pay, but I just can’t manage 700 million won ($525,000) all at once. Please give me time. I’m begging you, please help me.”
Her family claimed that despite multiple attempts to contact him, Kim Soo-hyun never responded.
Days later, on March 24, 2024, Kim Sae-ron reportedly posted and quickly deleted a photo of herself with the actor, in which their cheeks were touching.
A Letter and More Photos Surface
HoverLab also revealed a new photo allegedly showing Kim Soo-hyun kissing Sae-ron on the cheek. The family claimed the photo was taken when she was 15 years old, during her third year of middle school.
Additionally, a letter dated March 24, 2023, supposedly written by Sae-ron, detailed her alleged relationship with the actor:
“Though the media reported that the dating rumors were groundless, I want to make it clear that’s not true. The photo I uploaded was from 2016. Our relationship lasted from Nov. 19, 2015, to July 7, 2021. I was 16, and he was 30.”
She further alleged that discussions took place regarding her signing with Gold Medalist, but she ultimately joined the agency without proper compensation for her contributions, which included “rookie casting” and “visual directing.”
According to her, the agency later sent her a content-certified letter demanding repayment of debts and terminated her contract in May 2022.
Kim Sae-ron’s Mother Speaks Out
Kim Sae-ron’s mother issued a statement through HoverLab, saying:
“Speaking again about a daughter who is no longer with me is painful, but I want to restore her name from the damage caused by false reports. I hope she is remembered as the respected actress she was, not as a tabloid figure.”
Kim Soo-hyun and His Agency Remain Silent on New Claims
As of now, Kim Soo-hyun and Gold Medalist have yet to respond to these latest allegations.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
