South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is facing increasing scrutiny after new allegations surfaced regarding his alleged past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. The controversy deepened after a YouTube video by Hoverlab and a report from Dispatch presented new photos and text messages suggesting a long-term relationship between the two actors, despite Kim Soo-hyun's previous denials.
Hoverlab, which initially broadcast claims made by a family member of Kim Sae-ron, released a new video containing an undisclosed photo of Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron on the cheek. The image, which has since circulated across South Korean media, was reportedly taken when Kim Sae-ron was 15. The family member alleges that the photo was taken the same day as a previously published image of the two posing cheek to cheek, which Kim Sae-ron posted and later deleted from Instagram in 2023.
Additionally, the video contained a text message allegedly sent by Kim Sae-ron before her passing, in which she pleaded with Kim Soo-hyun for more time to repay a 700 million won ($473,000) debt. "Oppa, 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 all at once. Please give me time. I'm begging you, please help me," the message read.
Dispatch Confirms Relationship Between Kim Soohyun and Kimsae Ron.
Dispatch has verified the relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron through multiple sources, with testimony that closely aligns with the truth.
According to a close acquaintance of Kim Soohyun, the… pic.twitter.com/P8nxyFfAY1 — Pop Core (@TheePopCore) March 12, 2025
The financial dispute stems from Kim Sae-ron's 2022 DUI incident, for which Gold Medalist, the agency that represented both actors, reportedly covered damages amounting to 700 million won. According to Dispatch, the company later demanded repayment in March 2024, after Kim Sae-ron's contract expired, threatening legal action if the amount was not settled by the end of 2023. The move reportedly took Kim Sae-ron by surprise, as a family member previously claimed that Kim Soo-hyun and Gold Medalist had offered the funds as financial assistance without requiring reimbursement.
Gold Medalist, in response to the growing controversy, stated to OSEN that it is "sorting out additional official positions" and will release a formal statement later. However, the agency has maintained that the repayment notice was a procedural formality and that they had "no intentions" of collecting the full amount. "We knew we couldn't get such a large amount from her. We told her she could pay it back when she brings in a profit for the company or when she can afford it," a representative told Dispatch.
The controversy has also shed light on the strained relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron before her passing. According to the Hoverlab video, Kim Sae-ron had posted a selfie with Kim Soo-hyun in 2023, allegedly in an attempt to get his attention after he had distanced himself from her. Dispatch confirmed that Kim Sae-ron later told their reporters that she did not intend to release a public statement regarding their relationship. "I never said I was going to release a statement. It seems that they were misinformed about the necessity of releasing a statement," she reportedly said.
