The mother of the late actress Kim Sae Ron has publicly released new materials, firmly stating that her daughter was in a romantic relationship with top actor Kim Soo Hyun while she was still a minor. This latest development continues the painful public dispute that has captivated South Korea’s entertainment industry since the actress’s tragic death in February. Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team continues to deny all allegations of an underage relationship.
Kim Sae Ron’s mother distributed an official press statement on November 25, writing, “Hello, this is Sae Ron’s mother. After much deliberation, I have gathered the courage to write this message.” She explained that despite investigative authorities advising all parties to avoid media contact, she felt compelled to respond because Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representative has continued to post on YouTube, spreading what she calls false claims and manipulating public sentiment. She expressed worry that the public could be swayed by these claims and stated she is releasing part of her evidence to show the relationship did occur when her daughter was underage.
The Mother’s New Claims and Evidence
The mother’s statement includes specific claims from acquaintances of Kim Sae Ron and a personal memo, all intended to prove the relationship began before the actress was an adult.
She asserted that one acquaintance testified about a trip to Jeju Island, stating that Kim Soo Hyun personally drove them to the airport. Furthermore, she shared details about how Kim Sae Ron’s daily life allegedly contained references to the actor. According to the mother, Kim Sae Ron originally named her cats ‘Patteok’ and ‘Kkuldeok,’ but later changed their names to ‘Dal’ and ‘Gureum’ because Kim Soo Hyun starred in the popular drama “Moon Embracing the Sun”. The character he played was named Lee Hwon, also known as the “Ideal Sun” or “Dal.” Friends who knew of the relationship in high school would reportedly sing the drama’s OST as a hint to others.
The mother also released what she claims is a private memo written by Kim Sae Ron on September 28, 2017, before Kim Soo Hyun’s military enlistment on October 23 of that year. She stated the memo was extracted through a forensic analysis of her daughter’s electronic devices. The memo contains several emotionally charged lines, which the mother insists are expressions only used between lovers.
The memo reads:
“We don’t have much time left. Would it be wrong to say I want to spend every day with you until then?”
“It’s not just because you’re going to the military.”
“Things are difficult between us… There are obstacles we have to overcome, and on the surface, that obstacle is me.”
“If you said such things because you genuinely wanted to meet me again, I can wait for you. Or rather, I can just keep liking you.”
Kim Sae Ron’s mother emphasized that this note makes it clear a romantic relationship existed before September 2017, when Kim Sae Ron was 17 years old. She also referenced a separate letter written by the actress in 2024 after receiving a debt repayment notice from her former agency, which contained the phrase, “We’ve been together for about five or six years. You were my first and last love.” The mother argues this confirms a long-term relationship that started in her daughter’s youth.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Consistent Denials and Legal Action
Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, Goldmedalist, have consistently and firmly denied all allegations of an underage relationship. The actor personally addressed the scandal at an emotional press conference earlier this year, where he tearfully stated his position.
“I did not date her when she was a minor,” Kim Soo Hyun told reporters. “Apart from the fact that we were both actors, we were just an ordinary couple like anyone else. We had feelings for each other, and as time passed, we eventually parted ways.”
He confirmed that the two had been in a relationship but stressed that it occurred only between the summer of 2019 and fall of 2020, after Kim Sae Ron had reached adulthood. He also apologized for initially denying the relationship when a photo of them surfaced online during the airing of his hit Netflix show “Queen of Tears,” explaining he felt a heavy responsibility to protect the project and the people who worked on it.
Regarding the claim that financial pressure from the agency contributed to Kim Sae Ron’s distress, Goldmedalist has denied applying pressure. The agency stated that a document sent regarding an unpaid debt was for “procedural reasons” only. Kim Soo Hyun has denied that he or his agency caused her tragic choice.
In a robust legal countermove, Kim Soo Hyun’s side has filed a criminal complaint for defamation against Kim Sae Ron’s family and the YouTube channel Hoverlab, which first published the allegations. They have also filed a separate civil lawsuit seeking 12 billion won (approximately $8.2 million) in damages from the family and the channel.
Career Fallout and Ongoing Legal Battles
The scandal has had a severe impact on Kim Soo Hyun’s flourishing career. Several major brands, including Prada and Dinto, have ended their advertising collaborations with him. A highly anticipated Disney+ series “Knock-Off,” in which he was set to star, has been paused indefinitely and was absent from the platform’s recent lineup announcement.
The actor is also facing lawsuits from companies seeking compensation for damages. A lawsuit from Cuckoo Electronics is currently proceeding, with the court recently asking the company to provide a clearer legal basis for its claim. The court noted that Kim Soo Hyun is currently facing allegations, not legal convictions, and that termination decisions must rely on confirmed facts. This case is being closely watched as it may set a precedent for other pending lawsuits against the actor.
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Public and Online Reaction
The case has sparked intense debate online, with public sentiment divided. Following the mother’s recent statement, social media reactions show a mix of skepticism and support for both sides.
One social media user commented, “If she knew that her daughter was dating a grown man, what did she do to break up that relationship? … some mothers might not do it if they reap benefits from that man.” Another user argued for the legal process, writing, “Let them battle this out in court. If he’s guilty, he should be punished. If not, then she has to answer for her actions.”
Others questioned the strength of the new evidence, with one person noting, “Ok so she named her cats after a fictional roll he played in a drama series. That proves what exactly? I had a dog named Elvis, doesn’t mean I dated him.” Another pointed out, “Here we go again , why can’t they provide those evidence at the court and the fact they let the husband go despite everything and they’re still stuck with the ex boyfriend is questionable.”
The dispute continues to unfold, with all parties awaiting the results of the official investigations and court proceedings that will determine the final outcome of this complex and heartbreaking case.
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