South Korea’s Press Ethics Committee has issued warnings to 25 media outlets for their coverage of the Kim Soo Hyun Prevention Act, a petition seeking stricter laws on s*xual crimes involving minors. The committee stated that using the actor’s name in headlines could unfairly label him as a cr*minal despite unverified allegations.
The controversy stems from claims that Kim Soo Hyun had a relationship with late actress Kim Sae Ron when she was underage. Though the actor denied these allegations, public outrage led to a petition demanding legal reforms, which was named after him. The media’s handling of the case has now sparked debates on journalistic ethics.
Media Outlets Violated Press Ethics Guidelines
The Korea Press Ethics Commission found that 25 news organizations breached ethical standards by linking Kim Soo Hyun’s name directly to the petition. The committee highlighted violations of Article 10 (Principles of Titles) and Article 11 (Respect for Honor and Credit).
One flagged headline read:
“Kim Soo Hyun’s grooming s*xual cr*me against Kim Sae Ron, who was a minor, was revealed and angered the public.”
The commission emphasized that such reporting could harm the actor’s reputation before any legal confirmation. They urged media to verify facts before publishing sensitive allegations.
What Is the Kim Soo Hyun Prevention Act?
The petition, which gained over 50,000 signatures, calls for raising South Korea’s age of consent from 16 to 19 and imposing harsher penalties for statutory r*pe. Currently, the law protects minors aged 13 to 16, but activists argue this leaves older teens vulnerable.
The petition stated:
“A pedophile who seduced and deceived a promising female actress from childhood until her death has evaded the law… We petition to revise the statutory r*pe law under the name ‘Kim Soo Hyun Prevention Act.’”
Despite its rapid support, the use of Kim Soo Hyun’s name drew criticism for potentially biasing public opinion against him.
Kim Soo Hyun Denies Allegations
Kim Soo Hyun held a press conference in March 2025, firmly denying any relationship with Kim Sae Ron when she was underage. He stated:
“I did not date the deceased when she was a minor. We dated five years ago for about a year, long before ‘Queen of Tears’ aired.”
He also addressed why he previously denied their relationship, explaining that confirming it during his drama’s release could have affected the show.
Public and Legal Reactions
The petition has been submitted to South Korea’s National Assembly, where a committee will decide within 90 days whether to advance it for legislative discussion. Meanwhile, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, GOLDMEDALIST, filed a 12 billion won ($8.18 million) lawsuit against a woman claiming to be Kim Sae Ron’s aunt and a YouTube channel spreading allegations.
Netizens remain divided:
“We should never be lenient for serious cr*mes.”
“So…can Kim Soo Hyun sue these people who used his name on this petition?”
The controversy highlights tensions between public activism, media responsibility, and legal fairness.
Also read: SEVENTEEN’s Dino Buys Luxury Apartment in Seoul for 9 Billion KRW, Now Neighbors With Kim Soo Hyun
Credits: SBS Entertainment News, The Korea Herald, Financial Express, GOLDMEDALIST
