This article includes descriptions of suicide or self harm that may disturb some readers.
The former boyfriend of the late actress Kim Sae Ron has publicly stated that actor Kim Soo Hyun had no involvement in her passing. In an exclusive interview with the news outlet THE FACT, Kim Sae Ron’s ex-boyfriend, identified only as “K”, shared details about her final days leading up to her death and placed the blame on her family.
According to “K”, Kim Sae Ron married in early 2025 after meeting her husband in November 2024. He claimed that her husband subjected her to both physical and verbal abuse. Seeking comfort and support, Kim Sae Ron turned to “K”, which reportedly escalated her husband’s anger.
“K” recounted that once her husband discovered their continued communication, he confiscated her phone, closely monitored her, and continued to verbally abuse her. This situation allegedly caused Kim Sae Ron severe stress, leading to multiple attempts of self-harm.
“K” provided messages exchanged between him and Kim Sae Ron, as well as a message from her husband.
Yeah, no. Don’t answer it. He’s crazy.
Block him on Instagram, you don’t need to hear him out.
It wasn’t your fault, you don’t deserve to be told things like that.
This is so annoying. He’s cursing me out. I can curse, too, you know. This is f* up.
I blocked him. Damn.
I’m sorry. You can take it out on me instead. That b**** is crazy.
He’s mental.
I keep getting cursed at and beaten, too. But nothing changes.
Just report him… Man, I’d kill him. That little f*cker. Who does he think he is?
I can’t report him because he’s American, apparently.
Sorry, I’m so sorry.
Have you had lunch yet? Don’t skip your meals… [Message from Kim Sae Ron on January 15, Wednesday 2:35PM]
“K” also shared a screenshot of a direct message he received on Instagram from Kim Sae Ron’s husband (who was her boyfriend at the time):
This is Sae Ron’s boyfriend. Stop getting in touch with her again and don’t even think about seeing her again. This is my final warning. I know you met up with her on Christmas Eve and Christmas. I’m holding back, even though I want to kill you, so I’m blocking you. Just please, f*** off you useless piece of s***.
“K” stated that Kim Sae Ron continued to message him, even expressing that he was the most precious person to her, but she didn’t want to cause him harm.
That’s not it. That’s not how I feel. I was a bad person to you, but I still want to tell you everything.
Your boyfriend cursed me out… He DMed me, threatening to kill me and calling me a piece of sh*t. Do you have any idea how that made me feel?
I started seeing him in November. At first, I couldn’t share it and you were constantly having a difficult time. I was struggling and couldn’t rely on you. The truth is, I was lonely and I needed someone who would be there to listen to me and help me solve my problems. But that [help] was temporary. Later on, he began leaking my KakaoTalk messages and photos, hacked into my Instagram, hit me, and cursed at me. I was so scared, that’s why I couldn’t break up with him. I was always afraid that you would be hurt because of me, so I said we should break up. And all this happened. You were the most precious person to me and I didn’t want him talking sh*t to you. I didn’t want you to get hurt. But I haven’t been able to push you away because I’m that greedy… and now we’re here. I got us into this situation and left you in pain and with scars. But I was sincere every moment I was with you. My feelings for you were genuine and you were the most precious love to me… [cut off]
Regarding Kim Sae Ron’s family, “K” claimed that she suffered greatly due to their lack of concern for her situation. He revealed that on November 1, 2024, she attempted self-harm and required emergency surgery. Despite being informed, her family allegedly did not visit her, with only “K” staying by her side until her discharge. Her former agency reportedly covered the hospital expenses.
When I brought Sae Ron home after she was discharged, her mother and her mother’s friend were casually having a meal at home. She didn’t look surprised or show any signs of empathy.
This kind of reaction from her family is why she always wanted to run away.
“K” stated that Kim Sae Ron continued to confide in him even after her marriage, sharing her self-harm attempts.
I couldn’t forgive myself, and there was no other way. I tried [self harm], but all that was left were scars. I’m sorry I couldn’t keep my promise to you. And I’m sorry that I’m not in more pain.
“K” firmly denied any connection between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron’s death, shifting the focus to her family.
As someone who knew Sae Ron better than anyone else, it’s absurd to me that her aunt suddenly appears, claims to be part of her bereaved family, and is now pushing the narrative that Kim Sae Ron died because of Kim Soo Hyun. Why do you think her biological parents aren’t the ones stepping forward? Don’t you think it might be because they are the ones she wanted to escape from? How can a daughter get married without her family knowing? I can understand, though. The fact that none of them knew about her getting married to the New York man proves how little communication there was between them. They hardly cared when she was alive. But now that she’s gone, they’re digging up a relationship from years ago with a famous actor? There has to be a ulterior motive behind this. I’ve never met Kim Soo Hyun, but I can only imagine how wronged he must feel, getting so much backlash just because he’s a popular celebrity.
To demonstrate his credibility, “K” signed and stamped his statement with his Korean social security number during the interview with THE FACT. He also shared a voice recording of Kim Sae Ron from the hospital, where she mentioned needing surgery costing ₩5.00 million KRW (approximately $3,410 USD). Notably, the person she contacted was not a family member but an acquaintance.
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