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Kim Soohyun has refuted claims that he dated the late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor. Speaking at a press conference on March 31, 2025, he clarified that they began dating only after she became an adult in 2019. He claimed that their relationship lasted for roughly a year and was like any other couple.
The scandal broke out following accusations from the family of Kim Sae-ron and the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute. They uploaded screenshots and other documents as proof of an early relationship while still underage. Gold Medalist, the agency representing Kim Soo-hyun, replied that the screenshots were altered and that they would obtain an analysis to confirm the evidence.
Kim Soohyun explained that he was worried about the way these accusations painted him. He stated that they made him appear guilty of something he had not done. He took responsibility for what he had done but denied allegations that he had gone out with a minor.
He said in the press conference:
“They are framing me as a 'ped*phil*' and 'gr**ming minors' using the 2016 KakaoTalk remarks as evidence. The people who are talking to Kim Saeron on KakaoTalk in 2016 and KakaoTalk in 2018 are different people. To prove this fact, I submitted my 2016 and 2018 chats with my acquaintances to a verification agency that analyzes chats scientifically. "
He further added:
"As you can see, the organization concluded that the person in 2016 and 2018 are not the same person (…) I am afraid of what other facts they will distort to accuse me of murder. After this press conference, I don't know what other evidence and testimonies they will use to accuse me. If it's not true, it's not true. I will prove it to them.”
When did Kim Soohyun and Kim Sae-ron start dating?
Kim Soohyun explained that his relationship with Kim Sae-ron started in 2019 when she was already a legal adult. He explained that they were together for around a year and then broke up. Kim Sae-ron's family, however, asserted that their relationship began earlier.
They referred to screenshots and messages that they claimed indicated interactions when she was still a minor. Garosero Research Institute also made similar assertions, publishing what they claimed were chat records between 2016-2018. Gold Medalist replied that the screenshots were fabricated.
The agency promised to collaborate with experts to verify the genuineness of the messages. They also stated that they would take legal action against individuals who spread misinformation.
What evidence has been presented?
Kim Sae-ron's relatives and Garosero Research Institute issued chat photos and other data. They alleged that they displayed a relationship before her 18th birthday. The data featured so-called text messages and social network exchanges. Kim Soohyun's agency denied the evidence as fabricated.
They mentioned that some messages were manipulated, and others were taken out of context. The Gold Medalist mentioned that they were trying to examine the evidence and would take legal action if necessary.
Others raised questions about the authenticity of the evidence. They argued that some of the messages appeared inconsistent. Others were of the opinion that the evidence required further authentication before making conclusions.
How has the public reacted?
The scandal created mixed reactions among the public and fans. Some defended Kim Soohyun and thought his denial was true. They explained that the evidence used was not reliable and had been doctored. Others believed that there was a necessity for further investigation. They cited that the accusations were made by Kim Sae-ron's family and were serious in nature.
Some also stated that Kim Soohyun should come forward with more information to completely clear his name. His social media followers went down because of the scandal. Some disappointed fans and others stood up for him. Online forums went on, and people had various perceptions regarding the incident.
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Kim Soohyun refuted dating Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. He stated that their relationship began in 2019 when she turned 18. His agency, Gold Medalist, dismissed the evidence shown by her family and online sources as manipulated. The accusations have made it a topic of heated discussion in the media and among fans, with various people taking sides.
Some have defended Kim Soohyun's claim, while others feel that there should be further investigation. His agency has vowed to examine the evidence and pursue legal action against defamation. The saga remains a topic of discussion in the media and among fans.
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