Actor Kim Soo Hyun is facing mounting scrutiny after new digital evidence released by the GaroSero Research Institute appears to contradict his public denial of having dated the late actress Kim Sae Ron while she was a minor. The controversy escalated Monday as metadata from a personal video and additional images surfaced online, intensifying public backlash.
During an emergency press conference on March 31, Kim Soo Hyun tearfully denied the allegations, stating he had dated Kim Sae Ron in 2019 when she was legally an adult. "I have never dated her when she was underage," he said, refuting claims that their relationship began earlier.
However, Hoverlab, also known as the GaroSero Research Institute, responded with new material allegedly showing otherwise. A key piece of evidence was a video sent by Kim to Kim Sae Ron in which he sings "Only You, My Love." The metadata revealed the video was recorded on June 21, 2018. Kim Sae Ron, born July 31, 2000, would have been 17 at the time.
GaroSero also released a photo reportedly sent via KakaoTalk that it claims was taken in 2015. According to netizens, the image matches Kim Sae Ron's outfit and hairstyle from a December 12 episode of MBC's Music Core, where she served as a host. If accurate, the photo would date back to when she was just 15.
Online reaction in South Korea has been swift and vitriolic. "There are millions of pieces of evidence showing they were dating when she was a minor," one user wrote. Another commented, "Kim Soo Hyun is digging his own grave."
Additional content released by Hoverlab included images of the two spending time together at late-night karaoke rooms and intimate domestic settings, including moments when Kim Sae Ron allegedly cooked for Kim Soo Hyun. These details have stirred more anger online. "Why is a grown man eating meals cooked by a 19-year-old? Ugh," one commenter posted.
Some netizens also pointed out the timing of the 2018 video. "It was when he came out during his break from mandatory military service," one noted. Another added, "Minors aren't even allowed at Karaoke after midnight."
Criticism has extended beyond the relationship itself to Kim Soo Hyun's public statements. "His lie was revealed in just a few hours," a commenter said, referring to the swift appearance of contradictory evidence after his press event. "Why did you put on such a show, crying and stuff, when there's so much evidence against you?" wrote another.
The actor's decision to file a defamation lawsuit worth ₩12 billion (approximately $8.16 million) against Kim Sae Ron's family has only heightened public outrage. "There's tons of evidence... but a 12 billion lawsuit? Is he serious?" one user asked.
While Kim Soo Hyun maintains his denial, critics argue that the accumulation of dated digital content and public inconsistencies raise serious questions about his narrative. "You need to refute all the evidence that's been released or prove that you dated her when she was an adult. But you're not doing any of that," a commenter wrote. "Even with all this evidence coming out, not a single apology."
Calls for accountability have intensified, with some demanding the actor retire. "Just stop before you embarrass yourself even more. Why are you holding on so desperately?" one user posted. "Whoa... Looks like GaroSero Institute has even more to reveal."
