On March 31, the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, which represents the position of Kim Sae-ron’s family, aired a live broadcast after Kim Soo-hyun’s press conference and released a large number of photos that directly contradicted his claims. Among them was a photo that caught the attention of netizens for showing Kim Sae-ron in a broadcast outfit, allowing the timing of the image to be identified.
Earlier that day, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference at the Stanford Hotel in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, accompanied by his agency Gold Medalist’s legal representative Kim Jong-bok from the law firm LKB & Partners. The controversy erupted after Kim Sae-ron’s family claimed via Garo Sero Research Institute that she had dated Kim Soo-hyun for six years from age 15 (2015~2021), releasing private photos as evidence. Initially, Kim Soo-hyun denied the relationship entirely, but after the photos emerged, he changed his statement, saying they dated from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after she became an adult. During the press conference, he reiterated “The deceased and I dated for about a year, 5 years ago 4 years before ‘Queen of Tears’ aired”, once again denying the allegations.
However, Garo Sero Research Institute claimed Kim Soo-hyun’s statement was false by revealing photos obtained through forensic analysis of Kim Sae-ron’s phone. The photos included images of Kim Soo-hyun and a person presumed to be Kim Sae-ron (her face is unclear due to holding a camera) drinking soju and eating spicy braised chicken at home, as well as Kim Sae-ron lying asleep on someone’s bed. Messages allegedly exchanged between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were also shown.
One particular message dated June 24, 2016 drew special attention. In it, Kim Sae-ron said, “I slept all day and skipped breakfast and dinner. Isn’t that weird? And I went to the hospital to get an IV.” Kim Soo-hyun replied with concern, “Your condition doesn’t sound good right now. Are you okay now? Are you back to filming? I’m worried.” He then sent a message saying “Ah, isn’t this just too cute?” along with a photo of Kim Sae-ron.
It appears Kim Soo-hyun already had the photo of Kim Sae-ron saved. The problem is that the photo was taken on December 12, 2015, when Kim Sae-ron was in her second year of middle school. It can be easily confirmed that Kim Sae-ron appeared on “Show! Music Core” broadcasted on December 12, 2015, wearing the exact same stage outfit, hair and makeup as seen in the photo. As a result, netizens are expressing skepticism, questioning whether Kim Soo-hyun once again made a false statement.