South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun held a dramatic press conference on Monday to address widespread allegations surrounding his past relationship with late actor Kim Sae-ron. Appearing with his legal team, Kim not only broke his silence on the controversial subject but also denied serious claims, including dating Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor and any involvement in her tragic death.
This is the first time the Queen of Tears actor has publicly addressed the allegations, which intensified following leaked chat messages and accusations from Kim Sae-ron’s family. The press conference comes amid ongoing scrutiny and online speculation regarding Kim’s private life and role in past controversies.
A Tearful Statement
Opening the press conference with an apology, Kim said, “Because of me, so many people are suffering. I couldn’t even trust the goodwill that came my way… I feel like a coward for not speaking up earlier.”
He admitted to having been in a one-year relationship with Kim Sae-ron in 2019 — after she became a legal adult — but firmly denied any involvement with her when she was a minor. He explained that he kept the relationship hidden during the airing of Queen of Tears to protect the cast and production team.
Denies Involvement in Sae-ron’s Death
Kim firmly stated that he did not push Kim Sae-ron to suicide, nor did his agency pressure her over debts. He said they dated like a normal couple, eventually broke up, and barely contacted each other afterward. “I haven’t done what they’re accusing me of. I will not admit to something that isn’t true,” Kim asserted.
Addresses Grooming Allegations
In response to the KakaoTalk messages allegedly from 2016 that the family claims prove grooming, Kim said the conversations were fabricated or edited. He submitted the chat records to a statement verification agency, which concluded that the 2016 and 2018 conversations were from different individuals.
He also revealed that his agency has filed a defamation lawsuit seeking ₩12 billion in damages against Kim Sae-ron’s family and YouTube channel operators spreading the allegations.
Audio and Evidence Played
During the conference, Kim’s lawyer played an audio clip that he claims disproves the family’s narrative. The actor accused Kim Sae-ron’s former agency CEO of lying and manipulating evidence, including conversations and photos that he claims are doctored.
Recap Bullets From Kim Soo-Hyun & Kim Saeron Controversy:
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Faqs
Q1: Did Kim Soo-hyun date Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor?
No. Kim Soo-hyun stated clearly that he dated Kim Sae-ron in 2019, after she became a legal adult, and denied all claims of grooming or inappropriate conduct during her teenage years.
Q2: Why did Kim Soo-hyun stay silent until now?
Kim explained he was afraid of harming his drama team and wanted to protect his reputation and career, but ultimately felt compelled to speak out due to the severity of the accusations.
Q3: What legal steps has Kim Soo-hyun taken?
Kim has filed a defamation lawsuit worth ₩12 billion against Kim Sae-ron’s family and YouTubers allegedly spreading false evidence and manipulated content.
Q4: What is Kim Soo-hyun accused of by Kim Sae-ron’s family?
They allege that he groomed Kim when she was a minor and that his actions, along with those of his agency, contributed to her emotional distress and eventual death.
Q5: Is there evidence supporting Kim’s innocence?
Kim’s legal team claims to have verified that the 2016 and 2018 KakaoTalk messages were written by different individuals. Audio clips and metadata analysis have also been submitted.