Last Updated on March 14, 2025, 9:22 AM AST by Anthony Morris
South Korea’s highest paid actor, Kim Soo Hyun recently made headlines for dating actress Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor, at the age of 15, while he was 27.
After Kim Sae Ron was found dead at her residence in Seoul on February 16, 2025 by suicide, a video was revealed by a YouTuber, claiming that the actress was in a long-term secret relationship with the Korean actor.
Contents of the video
The viral video included statements from Sae Ron’s aunt, who said that the late actress was dating Kim Soo Hyun since 2015.
The video further claimed that Sae Ron joined the same company as the actor, Gold Medalist in 2019 and provided Kim Soo Hyun with free labour such as giving acting classes and directing fresh talent, to help him start his own business.
The two dated for over 6 years when suddenly Kim Soo Hyun distanced himself after Sae Ron’s DUI scandal in May 2022. Kim Soo Hyun and Gold Medalist helped her pay $483,000 in damages without asking for any return or favors.
The actress continued working hard to pay off the debt when everything shifted after the end of her contract with the company, Gold Medalist. They asked Sae Ron to pay back her debt in 2024 with a legal notice while Soo Hyun remained unreachable to her calls.
The actress shared a picture of her with the actor while his highly viewed drama ‘Queen of Tears’ was on air. The picture was shared on Instagram in an attempt to get the actor’s attention.
In response, a statement was issued by the company that negatively impacted Kim Sae Ron’s career.
Kim Sae Ron’s aunt said in the video that the actress killed herself as she was not able to pay the large debt.
Gold Medalist’s Response to the video
Gold Medalist called the video baseless and malicious right after it went viral and criticised the person who made the video as well. They also threatened the YouTuber and said that legal action would be taken if they don’t stop spreading fake rumors.
Release of more evidence
The YouTube channel responsible for the video continued releasing more content which according to them was shared by Kim Sae Ron’s family members.
A message was included in the additional evidence which was sent by the late actress to Soo Hyun on March 9, 2023, begging the actor to give her some time to pay back the money.
A photo was revealed in which the actor was seen kissing a then minor, Kim Sae Ron, on the cheek. The photo was from 2016, a year after they started dating.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
