At the center of the controversy are three key issues: The nature of their relationship when Kim Sae-ron was a minor, the ₩700 million debt dispute, inconsistencies in Kim Soo-hyun‘s stance on dating rumors.
Kim Sae-ron‘s family and the YouTube channel “Garo Sero Institute” claim that the two actors dated from 2015, when Kim Sae-ron was just 15 years old. To support their claim, they released old photos and letter. Kim Soo-hyun’s agency Gold Medalist strongly denied this, stating that their romantic relationship only began in 2019, after Kim Sae-ron became an adult. The agency further asserted that the controversial photos were taken in 2019, citing metadata as evidence.
However, the explanation has not erased public doubt. Key questions remain unanswered.
- Were they really just industry seniors and juniors in 2015?
- What was the true nature of the letter Kim Soo-hyun wrote to Kim Sae-ron during his military service?
- If they truly started dating immediately after she became an adult, was it a natural transition or something more concerning?
Kim Soo-hyun’s agency explained that the letter was nothing more than a casual message to a close acquaintance, stating, “Saying ‘I miss you’ is something soldiers often write to friends without deep meaning.“
However, an entertainment insider pointed out, “The real question the public is asking is not just when they officially started dating, but how close they actually were in 2015. Simply drawing a hard line at 2019 does not completely dispel suspicions.“
Regarding the debt issue, Kim Soo-hyun’s side insists they actually tried to lessen Kim Sae-ron’s burden. They claim the certified letter demanding repayment was merely a legal formality, not an actual request for payment. They emphasize that Kim Soo-hyun never personally lent her money or pressured her to repay it. At the time Kim Sae-ron texted “Do we really have to go to court? Please save me”, Kim Soo-hyun was supposedly unaware of the situation.
However, public sentiment remains critical. The focus is not just on legal responsibility but also on ethical and moral responsibility. Critics argue, “Even if Kim Soo-hyun wasn’t directly involved, he could have intervened to help when his ex-girlfriend pleaded for assistance. His failure to personally respond raises concerns that he turned a blind eye to her distress.”
Kim Soo-hyun’s inconsistent responses to dating rumors have further damaged his credibility. In March 2024, when Kim Sae-ron posted and deleted a photo of them together, dating rumors exploded.
At the time, his agency flatly denied the rumors, calling them “completely false” and suggesting Kim Sae-ron’s intentions were unclear. Later, they changed their position and admitted the two had actually dated from summer 2019 to fall 2020.
This sudden change in stance has led to allegations that Kim Soo-hyun lied to protect himself, leaving Kim Sae-ron to bear public scrutiny alone. Some speculate that when Kim Sae-ron uploaded the photo, she might have been sending a signal for help during financial hardship. However, Kim Soo-hyun’s immediate denial resulted in her being attacked online. Now, questions linger: Was this truly the best response he could have given?
An industry insider commented, “If Kim Soo-hyun continues to insist that everything was legally sound, suspicions will not disappear. The public is looking for an explanation that acknowledges their emotions—not just a cold, factual rebuttal.”
Amidst the controversy, Garo Sero Institute continues to release private photos and details about Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron’s past relationship.
While some argue this is necessary to uncover the truth, many believe that exposing the private life of a deceased person is unethical. Critics say that no matter what, her privacy should be protected, and this level of exposure cannot be justified. In the end, the battle over truth continues, but Kim Soo-hyun’s response so far seems far from the best possible explanation.