Recently, netizens have reignited discussions about past dating rumors involving actors Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron after resurfacing photos from 2015. At the time, Kim Soo-hyun was 28, while Kim Sae-ron was only 16 in Korean age. This timeline has come under scrutiny following new claims made by a woman alleging to be Kim Sae-ron’s aunt.
On March 10, the woman appeared on the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, which is run by former journalists and lawyers specializing in Korean entertainment news. She claimed that Kim Sae-ron had been in a romantic relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, stating that they began dating on November 19, 2015, and broke up on July 7, 2021.
According to her, a photo posted by Kim Sae-ron on March 23, 2024, was taken in 2016. The post, which depicted an intimate moment with Kim Soo-hyun, sparked dating rumors, which he quickly denied. The following day, Kim Sae-ron reportedly drafted a lengthy post about their six-year relationship but ultimately chose not to publish it.
The allegations have caused a stir online, with international netizens drawing attention to Kim Sae-ron’s sudden transformation in styling during late 2015. Many speculated that the drastic shift in her fashion and makeup was influenced by the alleged relationship. Some even suggested that the situation resembled grooming rather than a typical romantic involvement. Korean netizens also expressed shock, recalling discussions about her unexpected style change at the time.
Comments from online users reflected their unease:
- Ah, looking at the photos and hearing the explanation gives me chills…
- Are the dates correct? She matured so much in just two months.
- I remember her sudden style change… I thought it was influenced by her mom.
- I remember people saying it was too much for a minor to dress so maturely back then.
- Not just the clothes, but even her makeup changed drastically in just two months.
- Oh, I remember this! There were debates about why she suddenly looked so mature vs. “She’s old enough, what’s the big deal?”
- Yeah, I remember it clearly. Back then, she was criticized for styling herself like an actress in her 20s despite being a minor. Some even speculated that she was deliberately trying to shed her child actor image. I remember thinking, “People really say anything about a kid,” but I never imagined there was this kind of backstory behind it.
In addition to these claims, Kim Sae-ron also accused Gold Medalist, the company founded by Kim Soo-hyun, of cutting off contact with her, sending her threatening documents, and unilaterally terminating her contract. In response, Kim Soo-hyun’s representatives have denied all allegations and announced plans for legal action against false reports.
