Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, is facing backlash from the Korean public and fans of late actress Kim Sae Ron after the actor denied allegations regarding a 2017 photo that allegedly shows him with the then under-age star.
The agency recently issued a statement refuting claims that Kim Soo Hyun was the man in the image, calling the accusations ‘baseless’. However, the public remains unconvinced, with many criticising the agency’s response as “inconsistent and evasive.”
Gold Medalist, issued a new statement refuting claims made by Kim Sae Ron’s family and legal representatives during a press conference this week. The agency strongly denied allegations that the actor had an inappropriate relationship with the late star when she was a minor, and labelled them as “misinformation.”
Addressing the widely circulated 2017 photo, which some claimed showed Kim Soo Hyun visiting Kim Sae Ron’s apartment, the agency clarified that the man in the image was not Kim Soo Hyun and accused the late actress’ bereaved family of spreading false claims.
“Garo Sero Institute once again claimed on YouTube that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor, using a photo from a fan SNS account as evidence. However, the person in the photo is not Kim Soo Hyun. The jacket worn by the individual in the image is also from a different brand than the one Kim Soo Hyun modelled for,” the agency stated.
Gold Medalist further asserted that Kim Soo Hyun had never visited the apartment in question and dismissed claims that he secretly met Kim Sae Ron when her family was not home.
Despite the firm denials, netizens have reacted strongly, questioning the inconsistencies in its statements. Some sarcastically asking the agency to blame it on AI, saying, “Rather just say it was a deepfake.”
“Every time they open their mouth, it’s just to lie” another alleged while still another probed, “But didn’t you guys say they never even dated???”
Gold Medalist in their recent statement, claimed that the actors only dated after Kim Sae Ron turned 18, a claim the actress’ legal team has continued to suggest otherwise. However, this confirmation came after repeated denials from the agency and actors, of anything romantic between the two.
Keeping in mind the ‘evidences’ that the agency has shared to counter various allegations, a fan asked the agency to counter the 2017 image saying, “Bring evidence that it wasn’t him.”
The controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun’s alleged relationship with Kim Sae Ron has intensified following the actress’s tragic passing.
Attorney Bu Ji Seok, representing Kim Sae Ron’s family, spoke on a radio programme, revealing details about their alleged interactions. According to him, the actress had reached out to Kim Soo Hyun via text after receiving a concerning letter, expressing disbelief over his actions. The lawyer further claimed that as tensions escalated, she chose not to discuss the matter with her family, possibly to protect Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation.
“She bore the burden alone, suffering in silence, and in the end, on Kim Soo Hyun’s birthday, she might have made a tragic choice,” Attorney Bu stated.
Kim Sae Ron, known for roles in “A Brand New Life” and “The Man from Nowhere,” was found dead at her home on February 16, 2025, in Seoul at the age of 24. Her death was ruled as an apparent suicide.
