Kim Soo-hyun, once hailed as a top Hallyu star, is now facing an unprecedented backlash as mounting evidence and conflicting statements expose a troubling pattern of deception.
Shifting Statements, Lost Trust
The messages, dated between 2016 and 2017, show Kim Soo-hyun sending suggestive texts to Kim Sae-ron, who was 17 at the time. Phrases like “When can I sleep while holding you?” and “Later, do it for me in person ♥” have sparked outrage, with many accusing him of “grooming” behavior, manipulating a minor for potential exploitation.
Kim initially denied any romantic involvement with Kim Sae-ron but later adjusted his statement to “We didn’t date when she was a minor.” However, the leaked conversations have made his defense unconvincing. Legal experts note that while no legal action can be taken due to Kim Sae-ron’s passing, the ethical implications have led to public fury.
Suspicions Extend to the Movie “Real”
The controversy has also brought renewed scrutiny to Kim’s 2017 film “Real,” co-starring the late Sulli. Further doubts have arisen regarding the film, particularly concerning whether proper consent was obtained for scenes involving the late Sulli’s nudity or Suzy’s excessive tattoos. The film, originally directed by Lee Jung-sub, was later taken over by Kim’s relative, Lee Sa-rang, and was heavily criticized for its poor quality.
Massive Financial Consequences: Ad Contracts and Disney+’s “Knock Off”
The financial consequences are mounting. Major brands have begun cutting ties with Kim, triggering massive penalty fees.
But the real problem lies elsewhere: Disney+’s “Knock Off.” The entertainment industry is deeply concerned. With an estimated production budget of around 60 billion won, “Knock Off” had already begun filming Season 2 before halting production due to the scandal. If the project collapses, the resulting penalties could be unimaginable. Even a long-reigning global star like Kim Soo-hyun may not be able to recover.
In response to the escalating situation, Kim Soo-hyun has announced a press conference scheduled for March 31. However, the format will exclude a Q&A session, limiting opportunities for direct media inquiries. This decision has drawn criticism, with calls for a more transparent and accountable approach to address the allegations.
As the controversy unfolds, the public and industry stakeholders await further developments, emphasizing the necessity for clarity and responsibility in addressing such serious allegations.