‘Maebul Show’ Apologizes Over Kim Kap-soo’s Controversial Remarks on Kim Soo-hyun’s Alleged Relationship with Kim Sae-ron
On March 18, ahead of its broadcast, the political commentary talk show “Maebul Show” expressed regret. MC Choi Wook stated, “I sincerely apologize for yesterday’s incident. While an apology should be specific, detailing it further could amplify the controversy or cause unintended harm. I apologize for not being more explicit.” He then added, “The problematic segment will be permanently canceled. I will also strive to be more cautious and reflective in the future,” bowing his head in apology.
The controversy erupted after Kim Gap-soo’s remarks on Maebul Show on the 17th. On March 17, Kim Kap-soo appeared as a guest on the show. He discussed the growing scandal regarding Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, a claim made by the late actress’s family.
Regarding the issue, Kim Kap-soo stated, “From the news, it sounds like dating a minor is being treated as if it’s some major crime. When people date, there can be significant age differences, and sometimes the woman is older. But why are people suddenly calling this statutory rape? Does that even make sense?“
He continued, “It seems they started dating when she was young. Since Kim Sae-ron was a child actress, she was likely socialized at an early age. She was dating at 16, while the man was 27. If it were me, I wouldn’t have seen her as a romantic partner because she would have seemed too young. I’ve never dated a much younger woman, so I wouldn’t have been interested.”
Kim Kap-soo also remarked, “Maybe Kim Soo-hyun tried to deny his relationship with Kim Sae-ron because he thought it would damage his image. But there was no real reason for it to be considered bad. He just didn’t have the courage to challenge societal norms.”
His comments defending relationships with minors outraged netizens, leading “Maebul Show” to delete the segment where he mentioned Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron.
Meanwhile, through the YouTube channel “Garo Sero Research Institute”, Kim Sae-ron’s family claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a long-term relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. They also released intimate photos and letters exchanged between the two.
Kim Soo-hyun’s agency denied the allegations, stating that they only began dating after Kim Sae-ron became an adult. On March 17, the late actress’s family’s legal representative, Law Firm Buyou, held a press conference announcing they had filed a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho for spreading false information.