Netizens highlight the stark difference in Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun’s behavior when facing the media, sparking buzz over their contrasting attitudes
Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun, two big names in South Korean entertainment, have faced the media in very different ways during their personal controversies. Recently, netizens have pointed out this stark contrast, especially after Kim Soo Hyun’s emotional press conference on March 31, 2025, and clips of Kim Sae Ron handling reporters after her 2022 DUI incident resurfaced. The comparison has sparked a wave of reactions online, with many praising the late actress for her composure and slamming the actor for his approach.
The buzz started when Kim Soo Hyun, now 37, held an emergency press conference in Seoul to address rumors about his past relationship with Kim Sae Ron, who passed away in February 2025. The actor faced allegations of dating her when she was a minor—claims he strongly denied. During the event, he broke down in tears, calling himself a “coward” for not admitting their relationship earlier and insisting it only happened when she was an adult. He spoke for a while but didn’t take any questions from reporters, leaving the room after his statement.
Meanwhile, a video of Kim Sae Ron from 2022 has been making rounds again. Back then, at just 21, she faced intense scrutiny after crashing her car while drunk in Seoul. The incident damaged her career, and reporters hounded her with tough questions. In the clip, she’s seen walking calmly, surrounded by journalists asking about her finances and whether she faked hardship. She answered clearly and directly, saying:
“I never claimed that I was in a difficult situation. It’s true that I worked part-time, and it’s also true that the penalty fees are very high.”
She added:
“This won’t happen again in the future. I’m sorry.”
Her steady voice and willingness to respond, even under pressure, have won her praise from netizens years later.
A Closer Look at Kim Soo Hyun’s Press Conference
Kim Soo Hyun’s press conference was a big moment. Held at the Stanford Hotel in Seoul, it drew massive attention—reports say 13 million Chinese fans tuned in online alone. The actor, known for hits like Queen of Tears and My Love from the Star, admitted he dated Kim Sae Ron for about a year, five years ago. He denied any underage relationship, saying:
“I did not date the deceased when she was a minor. And it’s also not true that she made a tragic choice because of me turning a blind eye.”
He got emotional, wiping tears as he spoke about the toll of the scandal. He accused Kim Sae Ron’s family and the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute of spreading lies with fake messages. His legal team backed him up, filing a 12 billion KRW (about 8.16 million USD) defamation lawsuit against the channel and her relatives that same day. But his refusal to take questions and focus on defending himself rubbed many the wrong way. Some netizens even called his tears “scripted” and accused him of dodging accountability.
Kim Sae Ron’s Calm Under Fire
In contrast, Kim Sae Ron’s 2022 encounter with the media feels like a different world. After her DUI, she faced a trial, got fined, and saw her promising career take a hit. She’d been a star since childhood, shining in films like The Man from Nowhere. Yet, when reporters swarmed her, she didn’t flinch. Walking alone, with no team shielding her, she answered their grilling with poise. She admitted her mistake, clarified rumors about her money troubles, and promised it wouldn’t happen again—all without breaking a sweat.
Netizens have latched onto this clip, shared widely on platforms like Threads. One user wrote:
“Because one of them faced their mistakes honestly. She answered with the truth, genuinely reflecting on her wrongdoings. But the other person just wants to cover up the truth.”
Another said:
“Wow… Kim Sae Ron is so calm… And even without anyone protecting her, she can answer so calmly… I really admire her!”
What Netizens Are Saying
The online reaction has been loud and clear. Many see Kim Sae Ron as a young woman who owned up to her actions, while they view Kim Soo Hyun as someone hiding behind tears and excuses. A viral post put it bluntly:
“Sae Ron calmly faced the reporters as she answered their intense questions while walking. Now, take a look at the 37-year-old Kim Soo Hyun, who kept crying until the end while making his speech. He didn’t even let the reporters ask questions.”
Others dug deeper into her struggles, pointing out that her DUI wasn’t what broke her. One commenter noted:
“What broke her wasn’t the drunk driving or the debt—it was the subsequent online harassment, the smear campaign, and the heartlessness of male Kim.”
Some even tied her strength to her tragic end, saying the real damage came from years of public bashing and the fallout with Kim Soo Hyun.
New Evidence Adds Fuel to the Fire
As the debate rages, Garo Sero Research Institute dropped more bombshells on March 31. The controversial YouTube channel released photos they claim show Kim Soo Hyun at Kim Sae Ron’s home when she was 15. One image allegedly shows him washing dishes, pantless, fueling speculation about their past. The channel also shared metadata from a 2018 video of him singing, challenging his timeline. Kim Sae Ron’s family insists old texts from 2016—when she was 15 and he was 28—prove he pursued her as a minor, with messages like “I want to kiss and hug you all night.”
Kim Soo Hyun’s team calls these fakes, pointing to an audio file he played at the press conference as proof of his side. The legal battle is heating up, but public trust in him is shaky—top brands like Prada have already dropped him.
Looking Ahead
The contrast between Kim Sae Ron’s quiet dignity and Kim Soo Hyun’s tearful defense has struck a chord. Her fans admire her courage, while his supporters feel he’s being unfairly attacked. With lawsuits flying and new evidence popping up, this story isn’t over. For now, netizens see two stars who faced the spotlight in totally different ways—one with steady grace, the other with emotional walls.
