Kim Soo-Hyun Denies Underage Relationship Allegations in Emotional Press Conference, Vows Legal Action Against Accusers

South Korean actor Kim Soo-Hyun addressed swirling allegations about his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-Ron during a press conference on March 31, 2025. Held at the Stanford Hotel in Seoul at 4:30 PM KST, the event lasted approximately 20 minutes and saw Kim accompanied by his legal representative, Attorney Kim Jong-Bok. The duo delivered a prepared statement but did not entertain questions from the media, a decision that has sparked varied reactions.

Kim firmly denied claims of an underage relationship, asserting that his romance with Kim Sae-Ron began in 2019 when she was 19 and concluded in 2020. He apologized for the distress caused to fans and the public, emphasizing that KakaoTalk messages cited as evidence had been “misrepresented.” This statement, reported by credible outlets like Soompi, aimed to counter allegations that surfaced earlier in March.

Attorney Kim Jong-Bok revealed plans to pursue defamation lawsuits against those spreading false narratives, specifically naming the Garosero Research Institute and Kim Sae-Ron’s family. This legal stance was foreshadowed in prior reports and solidified during the conference, as detailed by DMNews.

The timing of the press conference was critical. Just 30 minutes prior, new photos emerged online—allegedly leaked by Kim Sae-Ron’s side—depicting Kim in casual settings. Some speculate these images bolster the family’s claim of a longer timeline, though Kim’s team has yet to respond directly. This development, coupled with the conference, has kept the controversy in the spotlight.

The scandal’s fallout has been swift. Brands like Prada and Dinto have distanced themselves from Kim, a move chronicled by DMNews. His upcoming drama Knock-Off faces production delays, and a planned fan meeting in Taiwan was scrapped, reflecting the mounting pressure on his career.

Public response to the press conference is divided. Some commend Kim for addressing the issue head-on, while others decry the absence of a Q&A, labeling it evasive. Social media platforms like X buzz with debate, with users questioning both the new photos and Kim’s silence on the Sulli Real film controversy.

The saga began on March 10, 2025, when the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute alleged a six-year relationship starting when Kim Sae-Ron was 15. Kim Sae-Ron’s family escalated the matter with their own press conference on March 27, presenting purported evidence like KakaoTalk messages, as covered by DMNews. Kim’s press conference was partly spurred by a fan-led demand for clarity on March 29, reported by allkpop.

With defamation lawsuits looming and fresh evidence circulating, the press conference has not fully silenced skepticism. Kim Soo-Hyun’s once-pristine image now teeters as the public and courts prepare for the next chapter in this unfolding drama.