Actor Kim Soo Hyun held a press conference on March 31 following allegations surrounding his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron. The press conference marked the first time the actor publicly addressed the accusations made against him by Sae Ron’s family.
The controversy erupted on March 10 when Sae Ron’s family appeared on the YouTube channel Hoverlab, alleging that the two had been in a six-year relationship beginning when she was 15. They also accused Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, Goldmedalist, of pressuring Sae Ron over financial debts, leading to her distress. Hoverlab released photographs and alleged conversations to support these claims. Goldmedalist initially denied that the two had ever dated but later admitted that they had been in a relationship, though only after Sae Ron reached legal adulthood.
Kim Sae Ron was found deceased on February 16, Kim Soo Hyun's birthday, in what authorities have determined to be a suicide.
READ: Kim Soo Hyun Holds Press Conference Amid Kim Sae Ron Scandal
Visibly emotional, Kim began his statement with an apology. “Firstly, I am sorry. Because of me, I think so many people are suffering. And also, I feel sorry that the late actor isn’t able to rest in peace," the actor said, as translated in English by Korea JoongAng Daily.
He acknowledged his hesitation in addressing the allegations earlier, expressing concern over the impact on his colleagues, agency, and fans. “Every time something about me and [Kim Sae Ron] was exposed, [I thought to myself] let's reveal everything. I kept thinking about speaking directly and ending this hell-like situation.” He admitted that during the airing of Queen of Tears, he denied their past relationship out of fear for the show’s success and the well-being of those involved in its production.
On the Underage Dating Allegation
One of the key accusations against the actor was that he had dated Kim Sae Ron while she was still a minor. He denied this claim, stating, “I never dated [Sae Ron] when she was a minor. Except for the fact that both of us were actors, our relationship was just like that of any other ordinary couple.”
He also rejected the assertion that he or his agency pressured Sae Ron over a debt, stating, “It is not true that she made this tragic choice because of me or my agency pressuring her.”
On Alleged Misinformation
The actor revealed that he had been subjected to threats regarding the release of private photos and messages. “I would not have to be threatened every day about uploading certain photos tomorrow and revealing something.” He argued that some of the evidence presented against him had been manipulated, including KakaoTalk messages that he claimed were inconsistent with details about their relationship.
He further emphasized that he would not remain silent in the face of false accusations: “I will take whatever criticism about my choices. But that does not mean everything becomes fact. I will take action to thoroughly investigate the evidence.”
On Legal Action and the Ongoing Investigation
The actor’s lawyer, Kim Jong Bok, also addressed the media, announcing that legal action had been taken. “Standing by his will, Kim Soo Hyun and Goldmedalist have requested the law firm explore both criminal and civil litigation to get the facts straight. We have filed a complaint against the family of the deceased and Hoverlab operators while filing a complaint on damages worth 12 billion won to the Supreme Central District Court.”
Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, the lawyer said that no questions were to be entertained from reporters.
Kim Soo Hyun reiterated his desire to clear his name. “I will take any criticism for what I have done. But the things I haven’t done, I haven’t done. I want to clear my name. I will not ask for trust. I will prove it.”
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
