South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun is once again under intense scrutiny following explosive claims made by a close friend of the late actress Kim Sae Ron. The controversy, which has reignited debates about their past relationship, centers on a recorded conversation revealed on March 26, 2025, via a YouTube channel. This comes amidst ongoing allegations and the cancellation of Kim Soo Hyun’s fan meeting in Taiwan, adding layers of complexity to an already tumultuous situation.
A Friend’s Shocking Revelation
On March 26, 2025, Kim Sae Ron’s best friend, identified only as “A,” appeared on a YouTube channel and shared a recording of a private conversation with reporter Lee Jin Ho. In the recording, A made a bold claim: “The cause of Sae Ron’s death is 70% Kim Soo Hyun, 25% Lee Jin Ho, and 5% her husband in New York.” This statement has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among fans.
According to A, who frequently listened to Kim Sae Ron’s personal struggles, the late actress confided in him about her relationship with Kim Soo Hyun. “It’s true that they met when they were minors,” A asserted. “From Kim Soo Hyun’s perspective, Sae Ron knew everything. In a way, she was his Achilles’ heel. I think he tried to push her away. That’s what Sae Ron told me.”
A went on to reveal a particularly striking comment from Kim Sae Ron: “She said it was difficult to maintain her position as ‘empress’ in the relationship during their six years together because Kim Soo Hyun had many ‘concubines.’ She held a lot of resentment toward him, and I want to help her let go.” This metaphor of “empress” and “concubines” suggests a dynamic where Kim Sae Ron felt both central and threatened in their alleged relationship, fueling speculation about power imbalances and emotional turmoil.
However, these are unverified claims made by a third party, and no official confirmation has been provided.
Family Dynamics and Unseen Struggles
A also shed light on Kim Sae Ron’s family life, noting, “Her mother acted as her manager. I’m not sure what her father did. I often saw her talking to her mother on the phone, and they seemed to have good conversations. But perhaps the love she received wasn’t enough. Maybe she wanted more.” This statement contrasts with an earlier claim from Kim Soo Hyun’s side, where his team suggested that Sae Ron’s struggles stemmed from “a lack of affection from her family,” a narrative A’s testimony partially challenges.
Adding to the complexity, the YouTube channel referenced Kim Sae Ron’s ex-boyfriend, described as an aspiring idol. After their breakup, he reportedly continued contacting her with pet names and requests for agency connections, which allegedly provoked abusive messages from her husband in New York. These details paint a picture of a woman grappling with multiple strained relationships in her personal life.
The Ongoing Kim Soo Hyun Allegations
The timing of A’s revelations coincides with existing allegations that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor. These claims first surfaced on March 10, 2025, via the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, where Kim Sae Ron’s family alleged a six-year relationship beginning in 2016—when she was 15 and he was 27. They presented supposed evidence, including handwritten letters from Kim Soo Hyun and a photo of him kissing her cheek.
Gold Medalist, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, has consistently denied these accusations. In their official response, they stated, “They met after both became adults,” clarifying that the two dated briefly between 2019 and 2020, after Kim Sae Ron turned 19. The agency also noted that Kim Soo Hyun had supported her financially by covering debts worth hundreds of millions of KRW, refuting any claims of neglect or wrongdoing.
In a prior interview, Kim Soo Hyun’s team addressed her death, asserting, “Sae Ron’s death is not Kim Soo Hyun’s fault,” and attributing her struggles to familial issues rather than their relationship. However, A’s testimony hints at possible unseen power dynamics, leaving the public questioning the full story.
The Taiwan Fan Meeting Fallout
Amid this escalating controversy, Kim Soo Hyun’s fan meeting in Taiwan, scheduled for March 30, 2025, was abruptly canceled. The event, part of the Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival hosted by Taiwan 7-Eleven, was highly anticipated as his first public appearance since the allegations surfaced. However, conflicting explanations have deepened the mystery.
On March 25, 2025, Taiwan 7-Eleven announced via Instagram that the cancellation was due to a “change in Kim Soo Hyun’s schedule,” promising refunds for fans who had secured spots via OPENPOINT points. Yet, on March 26, Gold Medalist countered that the event was “postponed for safety reasons,” leaving fans confused and frustrated.
We regret to inform you that performing guest Kim Soo Hyun is unable to attend the event ‘Kim Soo Hyun fanmeeting,’ originally scheduled for March 30, 2025, due to a schedule change.— Taiwan 7-Eleven (@7eleventv/Instagram)
Kim Soo Hyun’s Taiwanese brand event schedule has been postponed for safety reasons.— Gold Medalist
The event’s cancellation carries significant consequences. Reports estimate a penalty of approximately 1.3 billion KRW (around $970,000 USD) for Kim Soo Hyun and his team, while his upcoming Disney+ drama Knock Off has been postponed indefinitely, and several brand endorsements have reportedly dropped him.
Public Reaction and Upcoming Developments
The public response has been polarized. Some fans lament the lack of transparency, with one commenting on X, “It’s unfair to us who were waiting to see him. Why can’t they just explain what’s really going on?” Others speculate that the cancellation and conflicting statements are a calculated move to deflect attention from the growing scandal.
Meanwhile, Kim Sae Ron’s family is set to hold a press conference on March 27, 2025, at 1:30 PM (KST) in Seocho-gu, Seoul. They plan to present evidence related to the controversy, which could either clarify or further complicate the narrative. Given that A’s claims remain unverified by official sources, the press conference may prove pivotal in separating fact from speculation.
As this story unfolds, the entertainment world watches closely. To stay updated on the latest developments regarding Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron, keep an eye on VvipTimes and enable notifications for instant updates.
