K-drama sensation Kim Soo Hyun is entangled in a scandal linked to the late actress Kim Sae Ron. Recently, Sae Ron’s aunt alleged that the two were in a relationship for six years, beginning when Sae Ron was just 15 and Soo Hyun was 27. The aunt further accused Soo Hyun and his management company, GOLD MEDALIST, of financial misconduct and failing to support Sae Ron during her DUI incident in 2022. Compounding these claims, old text messages, photos, and an alleged unpublished statement from Sae Ron have come to light, seemingly lending credence to the dating rumors. Additionally, a viral post from Soo Hyun reflecting on his ideal partner has sparked further controversy, leading to calls for a boycott of his upcoming project, ‘Knock-Off.’

In context, after their breakup in 2022, Kim Sae Ron was involved in a DUI incident for which Kim Soo Hyun and GOLD MEDALIST provided support, covering 700 million KRW (approximately $483,000) in damages without requesting reimbursement. However, following the termination of Sae Ron’s contract with the agency, her aunt claimed that she was asked to repay this amount. Upset, the actress attempted to reach out to Soo Hyun, but he allegedly ignored her calls.

Recently, an old text message from Kim Sae Ron to Kim Soo Hyun emerged, in which she expressed, “Oppa, it’s Sae-ron. I received your certified letter. You’re suing me… I’ve been preparing for my return to acting and intend to repay you over time. I’m not refusing to pay, but I can’t manage 700 million won [$525,000] all at once. Please give me time. I’m begging you to help me.” This message is reportedly from March 19, 2023, and it appears Soo Hyun did not reply.

Subsequent to this message, Kim Sae Ron reportedly shared and then deleted photos with Soo Hyun, which portrayed them as affectionate. GOLD MEDALIST then denied any dating rumors and questioned Sae Ron’s motives. After her passing, her aunt released an alleged statement that Sae Ron had written but never published. In that statement, she expressed remorse for her actions and clarified the timeline of her relationship with Soo Hyun, which she stated lasted from November 19, 2015, to July 7, 2021. She criticized GOLD MEDALIST for misrepresenting her intentions and called for accountability regarding their treatment of her.

In another revelation, an older post from Soo Hyun on Cyworld describing his ideal woman is currently drawing backlash for its possessive language. In the post, he indicated that he desired a partner who would feel sadness on his behalf and prioritize him above all else. He also noted that while he tends to have a hot temper, he craves attention and expects his partner to be clever and quick-witted.

As this scandal unfolds, the calls for a boycott of Kim Soo Hyun are gaining momentum. Fans are flooding his social media with comments such as “Justice for Kim Sae Ron” and voicing their disapproval. Critics are alleging that he groomed Sae Ron, emphasizing the age difference at the start of their relationship. With more allegations and evidence surfacing, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious for the popular Hallyu star.