A Troubling Parallel Emerges
As the controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun continues to unfold, many are drawing comparisons between his situation and that of the late Lee Sun Kyun. Both actors were at the top of the Korean entertainment industry before being engulfed in scandal.
Lee Sun Kyun, an internationally acclaimed actor, starred in the Oscar-winning film Parasite (2019), which brought global recognition to Korean cinema. Meanwhile, Kim Soo Hyun is currently the highest-paid actor in Korea, commanding over 600 million KRW per episode in dramas like Queen of Tears.
However, despite their towering careers, both found themselves at the center of intense media scrutiny, raising fears that Kim Soo Hyun might suffer the same tragic fate as Lee Sun Kyun.
The Role of GaroSero Research Institute
A key player in both scandals is the controversial YouTube channel GaroSero Research Institute, notorious for exposing celebrity scandals.
In December 2023, the channel released a phone recording involving a drug case against Lee Sun Kyun. The reaction was swift and severe, leading to police investigations, negative press, and widespread public criticism. Just a day later, on December 27, 2023, Lee Sun Kyun was found dead in his car, with suspected CO2 poisoning. Many blamed GaroSero Research Institute, calling them “the last straw” that led to his tragic death.
Now, in March 2025, the channel is once again at the center of a major scandal. They claimed that Kim Soo Hyun dated the late Kim Sae Ron when she was just 15 years old, and even interviewed her family members.
However, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has strongly denied the claims, calling them “completely false” and promising legal action.
Public Pressure and Mental Health Concerns
Despite his fame, Kim Soo Hyun has always maintained a private and low-profile lifestyle. Unlike many other top actors, he has largely avoided controversy until now.
The current media storm and public backlash raise concerns about his mental and emotional well-being. This situation eerily mirrors what Lee Sun Kyun endured in his final months. Before his passing, Lee was bombarded with accusations, police investigations, and relentless online hate, leaving him isolated and deeply distressed. Now, Kim Soo Hyun is experiencing a similar level of scrutiny, and many fear that he, too, could struggle to withstand the pressure.
In fact, on March 13, a close friend of the actor revealed Kim Soo Hyun’s current mental status, saying that the actor has been “out of it” and “having a really hard time”. It was to the point that there has to be a staff member watching the actor, as he himself went to apologize his coworkers and staff to apologize. It was even reported on March 12 that Kim Soo Hyun has visited the cast and director to apologize during the filming of Disney+’s “Knock-Off”.
Will History Repeat Itself?
Both Lee Sun Kyun and Kim Soo Hyun were at the peak of their careers before being hit by controversy. Lee, a globally recognized actor, was a key figure in the first Korean film to win Best Picture at the Oscars, while Kim is the highest-paid actor in the country with a massive international fanbase.
However, fame offers little protection from ruthless media scrutiny. The tragic case of Lee Sun Kyun serves as a warning of how unchecked rumors, public backlash, and relentless media coverage can have devastating consequences.
As the situation unfolds, the question remains: Will Kim Soo Hyun be able to clear his name and survive this scandal, or will he become the next victim of a merciless industry?