South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun, one of the most respected figures in the entertainment industry, is facing significant backlash following allegations concerning his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
The controversy has escalated rapidly, leading to severe professional consequences, including his removal from MBC’s variety program “Good Day” and potential damage to his longstanding reputation.
The Allegations: A Timeline of Events
The controversy erupted when Kim Sae-ron’s family came forward with claims that she had been romantically involved with Kim Soo-hyun since she was 15 years old.
Also Read: Kim Soo Hyun’s Career in Crisis: Prada Drops Actor Amid Controversy
According to them, the actor, who was already in his late 20s at the time, pursued a relationship with her that lasted for several years.
They supported their claims with purported handwritten letters from Kim Soo-hyun, which he allegedly wrote to her during his military service, along with private photos suggesting intimacy between them.
Adding to the controversy, Kim Sae-ron’s family accused Kim Soo-hyun of financially pressuring the actress.
They claimed that before her passing, she was burdened with a 700 million won (approximately $482,396) debt, which she owed to Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist.
According to the allegations, Kim Soo-hyun and his agency repeatedly pressured her to repay this debt despite her financial struggles.
Kim Soo-hyun’s Response: Denials, Admissions, and Continued Scrutiny
Initially, Gold Medalist completely denied the allegations, dismissing them as false and malicious.
However, as media outlets continued to scrutinize the situation, the agency later admitted that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron had indeed dated—but only between 2019 and 2020, when she was between 19 and 20 years old and he was in his early 30s.
They vehemently denied that the relationship began when she was a minor, calling the accusations a distortion of facts.
Despite this clarification, public opinion remained deeply divided. Many critics questioned the timing of the agency’s response and the vagueness of their statement.
Skeptics argued that even if the relationship started when she was an adult, the alleged emotional and financial pressure placed on her before her death painted Kim Soo-hyun in an unfavorable light.
MBC’s ‘Good Day’ Takes Swift Action
As the controversy intensified, MBC’s variety program “Good Day”, in which Kim Soo-hyun was featured, faced mounting pressure from viewers and sponsors.
On March 17, 2025, the production team released an official statement announcing that they would be editing out his appearances from the show.
Key Points From MBC’s Statement
- Urgent Editing of Episode 5: The episode aired with approximately 10 minutes removed to eliminate Kim Soo-hyun’s presence.
- Future Episodes Will Minimize His Presence: Since the show is pre-produced, the production team confirmed that they would edit out Kim Soo-hyun’s previously filmed footage as much as possible.
- The March 13 Recording Will Not Air: The team clarified that an individual session involving Kim Soo-hyun, recorded on March 13, would be completely scrapped from the final broadcast.
- Apology to Viewers: MBC acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation and reassured fans that they were prioritizing the integrity of the show and the audience’s feelings.
Professional Fallout: Brands and Industry Distance Themselves
Beyond his removal from “Good Day,” Kim Soo-hyun’s career is facing major setbacks. Several companies that previously had endorsement deals with him are reportedly reevaluating their contracts, with some already cutting ties.
Industry experts predict that this scandal could impact his future casting opportunities, as Korean entertainment companies are highly sensitive to public opinion.
While some loyal fans continue to support Kim Soo-hyun, the wider public response has been mixed.
On social media, discussions are heated, with some users demanding a clearer and more direct statement from the actor himself, rather than through his agency.
Others believe that his reputation has been irreparably damaged, given the serious nature of the allegations.
