Kim Soo-hyun Addresses Kim Sae-ron Controversy in Emotional Press Conference

On April 1, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun held an emotional press conference at the Stanford Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, addressing the controversy surrounding the late Kim Sae-ron's death. Despite his heartfelt tears captivating both domestic and international audiences, the response has been largely negative, raising questions about his path forward.

During the press conference, Kim Soo-hyun appeared visibly distressed as he read a prepared statement. His agency has filed a defamation lawsuit seeking 12 billion won against the family of Kim Sae-ron, an unidentified individual claiming to be her aunt, and the operators of the YouTube channel ‘가로세로연구소’ (Garo Sero Research Institute) for violating laws related to information and communication.

Kim Soo-hyun expressed his anguish over the disparity between his personal identity and his public persona, stating, "When 'Queen of Tears' was airing, there were so many expectations on me as the lead actor. If I were to acknowledge a past relationship, what would happen? I feel like I have always chosen the path of the star Kim Soo-hyun over the human Kim Soo-hyun, and I see that as cowardice."

He strongly denied allegations regarding his relationship with Kim Sae-ron during her minor years, emphasizing that the individuals in the 2016 and 2018 KakaoTalk messages released by her family are different people. He mentioned that these messages have been submitted to a scientific statement analysis center for verification, urging the family to present all evidence to law enforcement for proper investigation if they believe it to be true.

Kim Soo-hyun claimed that he dated Kim Sae-ron for about a year, four years before the airing of 'Queen of Tears,' and stated, "I will accept any criticism for my choices. However, that does not mean that everything untrue becomes true. What I did not do, I did not do. I will not ask you to believe me; I will prove it."

Despite his bold stance, public sentiment remains cold. Notably, profiler Bae Sang-hoon criticized the analysis of the KakaoTalk messages presented by Kim Soo-hyun's team, stating it lacks credibility and pointing out the numerous variables involved.

Kim Soo-hyun, who debuted in 2007 with the MBC sitcom 'Kimchi Cheese Smile,' has steadily risen to fame through various dramas and films, including 'Dream High,' 'The Moon Embracing the Sun,' and the recent hit 'Queen of Tears.' However, he now faces one of the most challenging crises of his career following the allegations from Kim Sae-ron's family, who claim that he engaged in a 'grooming crime' during her minor years.

In February, Kim Sae-ron passed away, and her family has continued to assert that Kim Soo-hyun's relationship with her was inappropriate. Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has countered these claims, stating that their relationship began when Kim Sae-ron was an adult, from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. They also clarified that the legal documents sent regarding Kim Sae-ron's DUI incident were merely procedural and not an attempt to pressure her.

Despite Kim Soo-hyun's tearful rebuttal, public criticism persists, with many questioning the sincerity of his emotions. Meanwhile, Disney+ has indefinitely postponed the release of his upcoming project 'Knock Off,' maintaining a stance of 'release on hold.' The outcome of this situation remains to be seen.