Yoon Shi-yoon & Seo Kang-joon’s Respectful Treatment of Late Kim Sae-ron as a Minor: A Stark Contrast to Kim Soo-hyun
As controversy continues to surround Kim Soo-hyun over allegations that he dated the late Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor, past interactions between Kim Sae-ron and actors Yoon Shi-yoon and Seo Kang-joon with care and professionalism have resurfaced, gaining widespread praise.
In the 2016 JTBC drama “Secret Healer”, Yoon Shi-yoon, born in 1986, co-starred with Kim Sae-ron, who was 14 years younger than him. Throughout filming, Yoon Shi-yoon was praised for his patience and considerate attitude toward his younger co-star.
Addressing concerns about their age gap in an interview, he firmly took responsibility upon himself, stating, “Some people say that since Sae-ron is so young, maybe she’s pushing herself too hard in this role. But the character is 17 years old. If anyone should be criticized, it’s me. Don’t blame Sae-ron, she’s doing an incredible job in her role.”
Fans are also revisiting a heartfelt message Yoon left on his fan café in 2016. He wrote, “She’s 14 years younger than me, beautiful like a doll, and cries better than anyone, a true acting genius.”
He continued, “She’s so young, and we might not get to act together again. Please go leave a positive comment under her articles. Some awful people are leaving hate comments, and I feel so bad for her. Let’s go show some encouragement.” Many internet users reacted emotionally, saying that this is how a real adult should behave and expressing regret that she hadn’t met more people like him.
Seo Kang-joon (born 1993) is also receiving praise for his response during a 2016 “Entertainment Weekly” interview with Kim Sae-ron. While filming a photoshoot together, a reporter jokingly remarked, “You two look like you’re getting married.” Seo Kang-joon immediately reacted with shock, exclaiming, “Married? What are you saying? She’s a minor!”
When Kim Sae-ron shyly responded “Yes” to whether she liked her on-screen partner, Seo lightheartedly replied, “Our junior is doing a wonderful job,” bringing laughter to the set.
Amid recent allegations, netizens are drawing sharp comparisons, commenting, “That’s the right way to respond,” and “The contrast is undeniable.”
Previously, Kim Sae-ron’s family claimed that she and Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship from 2015 to 2021, starting when she was still a minor. They released personal photos, texts, and handwritten letters as evidence. While Kim Soo-hyun initially denied the relationship, he later stated that they dated for two years after she became an adult.
When Kim Sae-ron posted a close photo with Kim Soo-hyun on social media last year, his agency said, “We don’t know why she posted this,” seemingly distancing himself from her. At the time, he did not acknowledge their relationship, further casting doubt on his credibility in the eyes of the public.
As respectful behavior from Yoon Shi-yoon and Seo Kang-joon gets spotlighted again, netizens can’t help but express disappointment toward Kim Soo-hyun’s inconsistent and evasive responses.
