A close friend of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has publicly accused actor Kim Soo-hyun of playing a major role in her death, citing a years-long, troubled relationship between the two and alleging that she was emotionally tormented during and after their involvement. The statement, which emerged in a March 26 YouTube video, has reignited controversy around Kim Soo-hyun just days before Kim Sae-ron's family is scheduled to hold a press conference in Seoul.
The friend, identified only as "A," appeared in a recorded conversation with journalist Lee Jin-ho on the Garo Sero YouTube channel, where he stated: "The cause of Sae Ron's death is 70% Kim Soo Hyun, 25% Lee Jin Ho, and 5% her husband in New York." The comment has since circulated widely on social media and Korean news platforms, prompting backlash and public scrutiny.
A claimed that Kim Sae-ron confided frequently about her difficulties maintaining a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, describing their dynamic as imbalanced and emotionally taxing. "Sae-ron said it was difficult to maintain her position as 'empress' in the relationship during their six years together because Kim Soo-hyun had many 'concubines,'" A stated. "She held a lot of resentment toward him, and I want to help her let go."
According to A, the two actors began seeing each other when Kim Sae-ron was still underage. "It's true that they met when they were minors. From Kim Soo-hyun's perspective, Sae-ron knew everything. In a way, she was his Achilles' heel. I think he tried to push her away. That's what Sae-ron told me."
Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has denied these allegations, asserting that "they met after both became adults." The agency has not released additional statements as of Wednesday morning.
The friend also described Kim Sae-ron's family life, suggesting emotional gaps in her upbringing. "Her mother acted as her manager. I'm not sure what her father did. I often saw her talking to her mother on the phone, and they seemed to have good conversations. But perhaps the love she received wasn't enough. Maybe she wanted more," A said.
The YouTube broadcast also introduced claims about Kim Sae-ron's ex-boyfriend, said to be a trainee idol. A alleged that the ex contacted Kim using pet names after their breakup and sought her help getting into an entertainment agency. These interactions reportedly triggered angry and abusive messages from Kim Sae-ron's then-husband, who resides in New York.
Public suspicion has also turned toward a previous media interview in which Kim Soo-hyun's side insisted, "Sae-ron's death is not Kim Soo-hyun's fault," pointing instead to "a lack of affection from her family." A suggested that such narratives may reflect deeper, unacknowledged power dynamics and potential efforts to shift public blame.
- Kim Soo-hyun's agency denies underage dating rumors
- Allegations remain unverified; no official confirmation from law enforcement or Kim Sae-ron's legal representatives
- Kim Sae-ron's family to hold press conference March 27 at 1:30 p.m. KST in Seocho-gu, Seoul
The family has indicated plans to disclose "evidence" concerning the actress's emotional struggles and relationships during the briefing. The press event is expected to draw significant media coverage as the Korean entertainment industry continues to grapple with the fallout.
