On March 10, 2025, the Garo-Sero Research Institute claimed that Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron had been in a relationship for over six years, sparking significant controversy. This resurfaced after Kim Sae-ron posted and later deleted a photo with Kim Soo-hyun on her social media. The claims also involved allegations that Kim Soo-hyun had lent Kim Sae-ron 700 million KRW after her drunk driving incident in 2022, but did not respond to her calls later on.
Kim Soo-hyun’s agency denied all allegations, calling them false and harmful to Kim Sae-ron’s memory. Kim Sae-ron tragically passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 25.
Korean fans have shared a wide range of opinions regarding the relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron, and the aftermath of the incident. Many fans have focused on Kim Soo-hyun’s attitude, especially criticizing his apparent indifference after Kim Sae-ron’s drunk driving incident.
“If they were in a relationship, it makes sense that they took photos together. But was it appropriate to keep it private after the incident?” (👍 1,507 | 👎 96)
“Regardless of whether they were dating or not, if I were Kim Sae-ron’s family, I wouldn’t have discussed this publicly through a YouTube interview.” (👍 1,274 | 👎 234)
“What did her family do when she was struggling with a 700 million KRW debt? Why was nothing done?” (👍 1,247 | 👎 150)
These comments reflect the frustration and disappointment of Korean fans, who have heavily criticized Kim Soo-hyun for not taking responsibility, especially after the drunk driving incident. They also questioned his decision not to respond to Kim Sae-ron’s calls and messages regarding the debt.
International fans have been more focused on the broader social and ethical issues surrounding the relationship, particularly the age difference between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, as well as the power dynamics at play. They have also expressed concerns about how Kim Soo-hyun’s actions may have influenced Kim Sae-ron’s mental health.
“She took her own life on his birthday. I’m not on conspiracy theories, but that says a lot.” (👍 1.8K)
“I guess we’ll be seeing him in ABS or GMA soon…” (👍 716)
“After Yoona broke up with him because he was ‘weird,’ I’m not surprised by any of this. The family tried to reach out to the media, but no one picked up the story because Kim Soo-hyun is a big name in South Korea. Rest in peace, Kim Sae-ron.” (👍 622)
International fans are questioning Kim Soo-hyun’s actions and his responsibility for Kim Sae-ron’s death. They also express concern about the lack of media coverage for Kim Sae-ron’s struggles, pointing out that Kim Soo-hyun’s status as a top actor may have hindered the story from being properly reported.
“If the photo the family is talking about gets released, Kim Soo-hyun’s career will be over.” (👍 282)
“If it turns out that Kim Soo-hyun played a role in pushing her to end her life, he should be held accountable. South Korean media and films often discuss justice, and I hope Kim Sae-ron gets the justice she deserves.” (👍 269)
“Kim Soo-hyun’s behavior, if true, is disgraceful, and I think he should face serious consequences for his actions. This is more than just a personal issue; it’s a reflection of the toxic entertainment culture in Korea.” (👍 231)
While both Korean and international fans reacted strongly to the allegations about Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, the focus of their responses differed.
Korean fans were more focused on the personal aspects of the relationship, with many questioning Kim Soo-hyun’s actions in the wake of Kim Sae-ron’s struggles. They expressed concerns about the moral implications of their relationship, particularly due to Kim Sae-ron’s age at the time.
International fans, on the other hand, extended the discussion beyond the personal relationship to larger issues such as power dynamics, mental health, and the entertainment industry’s role in providing support to troubled celebrities. Many pointed out that Kim Sae-ron’s tragic death was not just about her and Kim Soo-hyun, but about the broader issues of celebrity culture and its impact on mental health.
This incident has sparked intense debates, revealing the complex intersection of celebrity, ethics, and social responsibility. As the case continues to unfold, both domestic and international audiences are watching closely, with many calling for accountability and change in the way South Korea handles mental health and relationships in the entertainment industry.
