Kim Soo-Hyun and Kim Sae-Ron | Photo Credit: Instagram/ @soohyun_k216, AP

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is facing backlash after an old Instagram post resurfaced following the death of actress Kim Sae-ron. The post, shared on February 16, showed images from his birthday celebration, coinciding with the day Kim Sae-ron was found dead.

In the now-controversial post, Kim Soo-hyun thanked fans for their gifts and well-wishes. However, after Kim Sae-ron’s family accused him of playing a role in her struggles, social media users began scrutinizing the timing of his post.

On March 10, the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute aired a video in which Kim Sae-ron’s aunt alleged that Kim Soo-hyun was in a secret relationship with the actress for six years, beginning when she was 15. She further claimed that Kim Soo-hyun distanced himself from Kim Sae-ron after her 2022 DUI scandal and that his agency, Gold Medalist, contributed to her financial difficulties.

YouTuber Garo Sero criticized BTS for previously vowing legal action in unrelated cases but not following through, implying Kim Soo-hyun might do the same.

Gold Medalist denied all allegations, stating, “The claims made by Garosero Research Institute regarding Kim Soo-hyun on YouTube today are completely false.”

Kim Sae-ron, known for dramas like Listen to My Heart, The Queen’s Classroom, and Hi! School-Love On, was found dead at 24 in her Seoul home.

Following her death, Kim’s father claimed that online content had contributed to her distress. In a statement at her funeral, he alleged that a YouTuber had posted videos criticising the actress, including one regarding wedding-themed photos she had shared online. The video’s title reportedly suggested that she had gone into hiding after marriage rumors. The same individual had also posted content questioning her financial situation and sincerity. The video in question has since been removed, and Kim’s family is said to be considering legal action.

Published – March 13, 2025 11:11 am IST