South Korean superstar Kim Soo-hyun faced a whirlwind of accusations this week during an emotional press conference in Seoul. The 37-year-old actor tearfully denied claims made by the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who tragically passed away in February following an apparent suicide.
At the heart of the controversy are serious allegations suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron when she was just 15 and that his agency coerced her over a loan repayment. The allegations have sent shockwaves through South Korea's entertainment scene, tarnishing the reputation of one of the nation's A-list actors.
"I can't admit to something I didn't do," he asserted, clarifying that while they did have a relationship, it was between two consenting adults and never during her teenage years. His statements come in response to sensational claims unearthed on a controversial YouTube channel that suggested a six-year relationship initiated when Kim Sae-ron was a minor—a claim he vehemently rebuked.
Amid rising tensions, the family of Kim Sae-ron alleged that they faced pressure from the actor's agency regarding financial matters related to a past drunken driving incident. In a bid to clear his name, Kim Soo-hyun shared a recorded conversation with the CEO of his agency, who clarified the context surrounding the alleged debt communications.
As backlash grew, leading brands like Prada and Dinto cut ties with him, and a Disney+ project starring Kim Soo-hyun was reportedly put on hold. Despite the uproar, he firmly called for accountability and challenged Kim Sae-ron's family to provide their own evidence.
The scandal continues to unfold, capturing the attention of fans and media alike, as many call for a deeper examination of the pressures within South Korea's entertainment industry.
