Key Takeaways:

• Kim Soo-hyun publicly denied allegations of dating Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor.
• The actor broke down in tears at a press conference while clarifying the timeline of their relationship.
• He refuted claims that pressure from his agency contributed to the actress's tragic death.
• The controversy erupted following accusations from Kim Sae-ron's family, resulting in lawsuits and brand withdrawals.

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun, renowned for his roles in popular dramas, appeared visibly emotional at a recent press conference where he vehemently denied allegations that he dated the late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was underage. These claims have significantly impacted his career, driving brands like Prada to dissolve their partnerships with him amid growing public scrutiny, according to Channel News Asia.

The controversy began following Kim Sae-ron's tragic passing at the age of 24 on February 16, which coincidentally is also Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday. In a recent statement, Kim Soo-hyun clarified that although he did date Kim Sae-ron, their relationship began five years ago when she was an adult, lasting about a year. "I did not date the deceased when she was a minor," he stated emphatically, addressing the scandal that has stirred strong emotions across South Korea.

Revelations emerged from a YouTube channel called "Garo Sero Yeonguso," which claimed the two had a six-year relationship starting when Kim Sae-ron was as young as 15. This channel released various pieces of alleged evidence, including screenshots of conversations and photographs that have fueled the ongoing controversy. South China Morning Post reported that Kim has denied the legitimacy of this evidence, asserting that some of the images could not have originated from Kim Sae-ron.

In his defense, Kim Soo-hyun expressed concern for the implications of admitting to a past relationship, particularly how it would affect other cast members and crew working on his current projects, such as the Netflix hit Queen of Tears. He lamented, "Every time there was a conflict between Kim Soo-hyun the person and Kim Soo-hyun the star, I always chose the path of the star,” showcasing the pressure he felt in navigating his public and private life.

The legal battles have already commenced, with Kim Soo-hyun's legal representatives announcing they have filed a criminal complaint against Kim Sae-ron's family and the YouTube channel operator, while pursuing a civil lawsuit demanding approximately 12 billion won (US$8.2 million) in damages. His agency, Gold Medalist, had previously handled both actors, stirring further complicity in the allegations surrounding her death. According to BBC, they were intertwined due to the late actress's financial struggles following a 2022 DUI incident.

This quiet rise to stardom has since been marred by scandal, as Kim Soo-hyun and his agency work to clear their name while the public grapples with the loss of a talented young actress, whose career took a tragic turn.