The South Korean entertainment industry is buzzing with controversy as Kim Soo Hyun faces a fresh wave of public criticism. This follows rumors linking the late actress Kim Sae Ron to a past relationship with third-generation K-pop idol WOODZ. A recent video by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho has shifted focus back to Kim Soo Hyun, reigniting debates about his alleged past with Kim Sae Ron. Here’s a detailed look at the unfolding story, the public’s reactions, and the facts surrounding these claims.
This article is part of our coverage of Kim Soo Hyun And Kim Sae Ron’s Relationship. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.
What Sparked the Latest Controversy?
A video released by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho on April 12, 2025, brought new attention to Kim Sae Ron’s past relationships. The video mentioned that Kim Sae Ron had dated a singer in the early 2020s. It hinted at an incident where she sent a coffee truck to a music video set.
The truck’s image was blurred in the video. However, netizens quickly connected it to an unedited photo tied to WOODZ, also known as Cho Seungyoun, a popular third-generation K-pop idol. Though Lee Jin Ho didn’t name anyone, online sleuths pointed to WOODZ as the likely person.
The alleged relationship reportedly took place between early 2021 and May 2022. This was after Kim Sae Ron had reached adulthood. She was born in July 2000, making her 21 at the time. WOODZ, born in 1996, is four years older than her.
WOODZ’s Agency Stays Silent
The claims about WOODZ have gained traction online. Media outlets like EDaily tried reaching out to EDAM Entertainment, WOODZ’s agency, for comment. However, they received no response.
This silence has fueled speculation. Some fans see it as a sign that the rumors might hold truth. Others argue it’s a standard move to avoid adding fuel to unconfirmed claims.
Why Is Kim Soo Hyun Under Fire Again?
The spotlight has unexpectedly turned back to Kim Soo Hyun, though no new allegations directly tie him to this rumor. The mention of Kim Sae Ron’s past has reignited earlier controversies about her alleged relationship with Kim Soo Hyun.
Previous claims suggested Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor. These allegations surfaced after her death in February 2025. A YouTube channel, Hoverlab, and Kim Sae Ron’s family claimed the two were together from 2015 to 2021, starting when she was 15 and he was 27.
Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, Goldmedalist, have denied these claims. They stated the relationship happened between mid-2019 and late 2020, when Kim Sae Ron was 19, a legal adult in South Korea. At a press conference on March 31, 2025, Kim Soo Hyun tearfully denied dating her as a minor.
“I never dated her when she was a minor. Our relationship was like any ordinary couple,” he said.
He also addressed accusations that his agency pressured Kim Sae Ron over a debt of 700 million won (about $483,000 USD) tied to her 2022 drunk-driving incident. He played an audio recording suggesting the debt notice was procedural, not coercive.
Netizens Compare WOODZ and Kim Soo Hyun
The rumor about WOODZ has led netizens to draw comparisons. Many see WOODZ’s alleged relationship with Kim Sae Ron as unproblematic since both were adults with a small age gap. In contrast, they criticize Kim Soo Hyun over the earlier allegations.
Comments on platforms like TheQoo reflect this sentiment:
“That’s why the whole situation with WOODZ and Kim Sae Ron just seems like two adults dating briefly. But Kim Soo Hyun? He’s a grown-ass man who went after a minor, cheated on her, acted however he wanted, and then tried to intimidate her with money.”
“WOODZ dated her after she became an adult, so what’s the problem?”
“All this just makes it clearer, WOODZ started dating her after she became an adult, but Kim Soo Hyun dated her when she was still a minor. So honestly, Kim Soo Hyun ends up looking way worse. I even Googled it, WOODZ was born in ‘96, so he’s only four years older than Kim Sae Ron. Kim Soo Hyun was born in ‘88, so there’s a 12-year age gap^^”
These reactions highlight frustration with Kim Soo Hyun. Many netizens feel the WOODZ rumor makes his past actions appear worse by comparison.
The Bigger Picture: Kim Sae Ron’s Tragic Story
Kim Sae Ron was a celebrated actress known for films like The Man from Nowhere (2010). Her career faced a setback after a drunk-driving accident in May 2022. She crashed into a transformer, causing power outages. She was fined 20 million won (about $14,000 USD) and faced public backlash.
She left Goldmedalist in 2022 after her contract ended. Reports suggest she struggled with debt and worked part-time jobs. Her death on February 16, 2025, ruled a suicide, shocked the industry. It coincided with Kim Soo Hyun’s birthday, adding fuel to rumors.
In March 2024, Kim Sae Ron posted and deleted a photo with Kim Soo Hyun. This sparked initial dating rumors. Goldmedalist denied them, saying her intentions were unclear. After her death, Hoverlab released photos and messages, alleging a six-year relationship starting when she was a minor.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Fallout Continues
The ongoing controversy has hit Kim Soo Hyun hard. The 37-year-old star of Queen of Tears and My Love from the Star has lost over 500,000 Instagram followers. Brands like Prada, Dinto, and Tous les Jours have ended ties with him.
His upcoming Disney+ drama Knock Off faces uncertainty. Some worry its release may be delayed. Netizens have also called for boycotts of brands linked to him.
Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team has fought back. They’ve sued Hoverlab, Kim Sae Ron’s family, and others for defamation, seeking 12 billion won (about $8.15 million USD) in damages. They claim evidence like KakaoTalk messages from 2016 was fabricated.
Public Sentiment and What’s Next
The public remains divided. Some defend Kim Soo Hyun, citing his denials and evidence. Others believe Kim Sae Ron’s family and feel he hasn’t taken accountability.
The WOODZ rumor has added a new layer. It shifts focus to a less controversial relationship but keeps Kim Soo Hyun in the crosshairs. Without a statement from EDAM Entertainment, speculation about WOODZ may continue.
The story underscores the intense scrutiny celebrities face. For Kim Soo Hyun, clearing his name remains a challenge. For Kim Sae Ron’s memory, the debates keep her tragic story in the spotlight.
Also Read: Kim Soo Hyun’s Family Background Draws Attention Amid Rumors and Past Challenges
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Sources: TheQoo
