The internet has been buzzing with news about South Korean actress, Kim Sae-Ron, and actor, Kim Soo-Hyun's past relationship when Kim Sae-Ron was 15 and Kim Soo-Hyun was 27. Sparking controversy over the media, this newly discovered information about these famous and beloved actors have been sprawled across the internet. Here's what to know.

Who?

This controversy involves South Korean actress, Kim Sae-Ron, 25, and actor, Kim Soo-Hyun, 37.

Kim Sae-Ron is an accomplished actress that started off her career as a model in 2001, transitioning to acting with the film A Brand New Life (2009) and is widely recognized for her role in The Man from Nowhere (2010) that had earned her the Baeksang Arts Awards for Best New Actress nomination.

Kim Soo-Hyun is a decorated actor that has received several prestigious awards like the Grand Bell and Blue Dragon Film award. He is known for his roles in Dream High (2011) and the recently popular TV series, Queen of Tears (2024).

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When, And What Happened?

Kim Sae-Ron and Kim Soo-Hyun began their romantic relationship in November 2015 when Kim Sae-Ron was 15 and Kim Soo-Hyun was 27. Their relationship lasted six years. In 2019, Kim Sae-Ron joined Kim Soo-Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist.

Shortly after, the couple breaks up in 2021, and Kim Sae-Ron is involved in a DUI accident in May 2022. In the same year in December, the actress is removed from the agency, either by request or because of her contract's expiration date.

Two years later, in March 2024, when Gold Medalist sends Kim Sae-Ron a legal document that claimed that she owes the agency 700 million KRW, most likely for the damage fees for previous projects that the actress was a part of. A screenshot of a text sent by Kim Sae-Ron to Kim Soo-Hyun that was publicized by her family had shown Kim Sae-Ron asking him to not sue her because she did not have the money to pay back this debt.

It was previously revealed that Kim Sae-Ron was the first-born child to young parents, and as a successful child actress, she was the money maker in the family. Previously, she had been seen working a part-time job at a cafe.

“Oppa (Korean term for an older male), it’s Sae-ron. I received the content-certified letter. You’re suing me ... I’ve been preparing for my return to acting, and I plan to repay you gradually from each project.

It’s not that I won’t pay, but I just can’t manage 700 million won ($525,000) all at once. Please give me time. I’m begging you, please help me.” —Korea Times

It appeared that there was no response from Kim Soo-Hyun, which triggered Kim Sae-Ron to post an old photo of them on her story for a few seconds on March 24, 2024, during the peak of the TV series that Kim Soo-Hyun was starring in, Queen of Tears.

Gold Medalist, Kim Soo-Hyun's agency, had denied all dating allegations.

Kim Sae-Ron's family had also publicized screenshots of messages she had sent to her cousin, with excerpts of a drafted letter to apologize for her post. These images were where the public received information about the former couple's relationship.

Kim Sae-Ron's Death

Kim Sae-Ron was found dead in her apartment on February 16, 2025, and was declared to have committed suicide. Coincidentally, this was Kim Soo-Hyun's birthday. The actor did not attend her memorial, and was seen celebrating out in the city.

Recently, her family had brought back this illegal relationship between an adult and a minor back into the eyes of the media. Many people online are shocked by this information, Kim Soo-Hyun facing harsh backlash from his former fans. With the work of cyber wreckers, more and more intimate photos from Kim Sae-Ron and Kim Soo-Hyun's past relationship have been surfacing across the internet. Kim Sae-Ron's mother and other family have broken silence to bring light to their daughter's struggles and past.

"No wonder he's such a 'talented' actor, you never expect how people turn out to be." —page.aiera

These pieces of evidence, if found true by a higher level of authority, will cause the downfall of Kim Soo-Hyun’s career. After this was revealed, thousands online have started to mistrust actors and idols, much alike after former NCT member Taeil’s involvement in sexual assault.

With this information, what do you think?