South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun tearfully denied claims of dating the late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor during a press conference in Seoul on Monday, calling the accusations “fabricated” and vowing to fight legal battles to clear his name.
The 37-year-old star, known for global hits like Queen of Tears and My Love from the Star, addressed explosive allegations linking him to Kim Sae-ron’s 2024 suicide and claims of financial pressure against her prior to her death.
Kim Sae-ron, who rose to fame as a child actress in films like A Brand New Life (2009), died by suicide on February 16 at age 24—a date coinciding with Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday. Her family alleges the actor began a six-year relationship with her in 2016, when she was 15 and he was 27, and claims his agency pressured her to repay debts tied to a 2022 drunk-driving incident that derailed her career.
“Our relationship lasted only one year, from 2019 to 2020, when she was an adult,” Kim Soo-hyun stated, visibly distraught. “I accept criticism for what I’ve done, but I cannot admit to something I didn’t do.” He rejected claims by Kim Sae-ron’s family that he “drove her to her death,” accusing them of framing him as a “pedophile” using altered evidence.
The controversy intensified last month when a YouTube channel published photos and chat logs purportedly documenting early interactions between the actors. Kim Sae-ron’s family later released text messages they claim prove the relationship began in 2016. Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team disputes the authenticity of these materials, alleging manipulation, and has filed a KRW12 billion ($8.1 million) defamation lawsuit against the family and the channel.
Kim Soo-hyun also addressed why he initially denied a 2024 Instagram post by Kim Sae-ron showing them together during Queen of Tears’ broadcast. “As the lead actor, I had to protect the production,” he said. “Admitting a relationship then could have harmed everyone involved.”
The scandal has upended Kim’s career, with luxury brand Prada and cosmetics company Dinto terminating partnerships. A Disney+ series starring the actor, Knock-Off, has been paused indefinitely. His agency, GoldMedalist, provided a recorded phone call suggesting it offered Kim Sae-ron flexibility regarding the disputed debt, countering claims of coercion.
Kim Sae-ron’s family maintains their evidence is credible. Their attorney has not yet responded to the actor’s latest statements.
