Cultural Critic Faces Backlash Over Comments on Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron's Alleged Underage Relationship

Cultural critic Kim Gap-soo sparked controversy during his appearance on the YouTube show 'Maebul Show' on March 17, 2025, when he discussed the alleged underage relationship between actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron. Kim stated, "The uproar over dating a minor seems exaggerated, as relationships can vary in age difference. It's not a huge crime." He further questioned the implications of the relationship, suggesting that Kim Sae-ron, having been a child actress, might have matured socially at a younger age. He remarked, "This is a personal characteristic, isn't it?"

His comments drew significant backlash online, prompting 'Maebul Show' to delete the segment featuring his remarks. In the show's opening the following day, host Choi Wook issued a formal apology, acknowledging the controversy and announcing the permanent cancellation of the segment. He expressed regret for not being able to provide a more detailed apology due to the potential for further escalation and harm.

The family of the late Kim Sae-ron has claimed through the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' that she and Kim Soo-hyun were in a relationship for six years starting when she was 15. They also alleged that after a drunk driving incident in 2022, Kim Sae-ron faced financial difficulties and was pressured to repay 700 million won borrowed for accident settlements.

In response, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, labeled the claims as "unacceptable falsehoods" and stated they would consider legal action against the spread of misinformation. However, they later acknowledged that Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun had indeed dated from the summer of 2019 until fall 2020, after she became an adult. They clarified that the 700 million won repayment issue was unrelated to Kim Soo-hyun, emphasizing that it was a matter between Kim Sae-ron and Gold Medalist.