Actor Kim Soo-hyun speaks during a press conference at a hotel in Seoul on March 31, addressing allegations regarding his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. Photo: News1
South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun broke down in tears at a press conference in Seoul on Monday, admitting to a one-year relationship with Kim Sae-ron but denying allegations that Kim Sae-ron was a minor during their relationship, according to South Korean media.
A South Korean YouTube channel called Hoverlab released a video on March 10, alleging that the 37-year-old actor Kim Soo-hyun began dating actress Kim Sae-ron when she was 15, and they were in a relationship for six years. Kim Sae-ron was found dead in her home in Seoul on February 16, 2025 due to suicide, according to a report from The Strait Times.
The Monday press conference was the first public appearance since the controversy erupted, but Kim Soo-hyun's position sparked controversy on South Korean and Chinese social media platforms. Some netizens criticized Kim Soo-hyun's behavior as a publicity stunt, while others supported the actor, asserting his innocence.
At the press conference, Kim Soo-hyun bowed in apology and admitted to having been in a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron. During the press conference, he became emotional, shedding tears multiple times as he denied allegations of being involved with Kim Sae-ron during her underage period.
"It is not true that the deceased made a tragic choice because of my indifference or because our management agency pressured her regarding her debts," Kim Soo-hyun said during the press conference, the South China Morning Post reported.
Kim Soo-hyun gained popularity in China after starring alongside South Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun in the 2013 TV drama My Love from the Star, which attracted a lot of Chinese netizens.
On China's social media Sina Weibo, the live broadcast of Kim Soo-hyun's press conference became the top trending topic around 5 pm on Monday, with the livestream from a single account attracting 13 million views. By 5:30 pm, related hashtags had amassed 240 million views, 236,000 discussions, and 796,000 interactions.
Some Chinese netizens called his tears "crocodile tears" on Weibo, challenging his repeated claim that he didn't date Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor.
However, some of Kim Soo-hyun's fans in China supported him, thanking Kim Soo-hyun for bravely holding this press conference to confront the allegations.
Similarly, on X, some netizens expressed their dissatisfaction with his apology. One X user commented, "Do we look this dumb for him to believe his fake tears? " Some pointed out that Kim Soo-hyun showed up to this press conference with makeup and freshly done hair.
Some of Kim Soo-hyun's fans staunchly supported him on X, leaving comments like "He's innocent" and "We stand by your side."
A fan support truck was stationed near the hotel where the press conference was held, displaying supportive messages. The truck's screens featured photos of Kim's career milestones, reinforcing their unwavering backing, according to Xports News, a South Korean media outlet.
Global Times
