13 Million Viewers Watched Kim Soo-hyun’s Tears—”Crocodile Tears or Neutral Stance?”

On March 31, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference at Stanford Hotel in Seoul, denying claims of dating Kim Sae-ron as a minor or pressuring her to repay debts.

Press Conference Summary

Kim Soo-hyun admitted denying his relationship with Kim Sae-ron to protect his drama, co-stars, and agency, stating he would make the same choice again. Emphasizing his responsibility as “Star Kim Soo-hyun,” he explained, “I had a lot to lose and a lot to protect.” He described his past with Kim Sae-ron as a normal relationship that eventually ended and refuted claims that his agency pressured her.

He also accused Kim Sae-ron’s family of manipulating evidence, citing inconsistencies in KakaoTalk messages and photos. To prove his innocence, he submitted evidence for forensic analysis, which reportedly showed discrepancies in the messages.

He further alleged that the family kept altering their claims whenever his agency provided counter-evidence. Challenging them to submit their proof for legal verification, he maintained that their accusations were based on fabricated testimonies and doctored materials.

Public Divided: “Crocodile Tears” vs. “Wait for the Investigation”

Public opinion remains fiercely divided. Some have questioned:

• Why did he leak Kim Sae-ron’s number to the media?
• Why did she write in her letter, ‘We’ve been together for 5–6 years’?

Others criticized his press conference, calling it an act:

• China had 13 million viewers watching live, and they knew he was lying.
• He even did his hair for the press conference.
• I expected an apology, but he chose to sue instead.

On the other hand, some netizens believe the family’s claims lack credibility:

• The channel they chose to release evidence through isn’t reliable.
• We should wait for the investigation results.
• At this point, both sides need to take their evidence to the authorities and let the truth come out.

Career Fallout and Legal Battle

As the controversy escalates, Kim Soo-hyun’s entertainment career has taken a hit. His variety show “Good Day,” where he appeared alongside BIGBANG’s G-Dragon, has been completely edited out. Companies have cut ties with him, canceling advertisements, and the release of his completed Disney+ drama “Knock Off” has been indefinitely postponed. All international schedules have also been halted.

Given his inconsistent statements in the past, many find it difficult to take his tearful plea at face value. Others argue for a neutral stance, emphasizing the unresolved issues in Kim Sae-ron’s letter. Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team, led by Kim Jong-bok of LKB & Partners, has filed criminal complaints against Kim Sae-ron’s family, an anonymous individual, and a media channel. A 12 billion won ($9 million) civil lawsuit has also been submitted to the Seoul Central District Court.

With both sides lawyering up, the controversy is expected to become a prolonged legal battle.