K-drama sensation Kim Soo Hyun was poised to return to the screen as the "knock-off market king" in a 2025 Disney+ crime drama series, following a significant surge in his popularity attributed to the hit series tvN’s Queen of Tears. However, the South Korean actor's reputation is now facing scrutiny due to rumors surrounding his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron.

Similar to the actor from It’s Okay Not to Be Okay, Kim Sae Ron was also affiliated with Gold Medalist until she opted not to renew her contract following her DUI incident in 2022. As of 2025, a previously mentioned controversy has resurfaced, placing Kim Soo Hyun under scrutiny, particularly after authorities classified Kim Sae Ron's death in February as a suicide.

Kim Soo Hyun's underage dating allegations

The 37-year-old Hallyu star has recently been the subject of dating rumors, which allege that the popular actor was involved in a six-year relationship that commenced when she was merely 15 years old, while he was 27. As of March 12, the agency representing the Queen of Tears star, recognized as one of South Korea's highest-paid actors, has consistently refuted these claims. In contrast to the initial rumors that sparked the controversy, the latest allegations have emerged from the grieving family of Kim Sae Ron.

YouTube channel releases alleged evidence of Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron's rumoured relationship

The YouTube channel Hoverlab, also recognized as the Garo Sero Institute, has recently unveiled additional content, which includes an exclusive photograph of the actor duo and a text message purportedly sent by the actress.

In the alleged message, dated March 19, 2023, Kim Sae Ron wrote, “Oppa, it’s Sae-ron. I have received the content-certified letter. You are suing me... I have been preparing for my return to acting and intend to repay you gradually from each project. It is not that I refuse to pay, but I am unable to manage the full amount of 700 million won [$525,000] at once. I kindly ask for your understanding and time. I am pleading with you for assistance.” It is claimed that Kim Soo Hyun did not respond to this message. Shortly thereafter, she shared a now-deleted photograph on Instagram featuring herself and the senior actor, with their cheeks touching.

Kim Soo Hyun's agency strongly denies allegations

Gold Medalist has released a strong denial, characterizing the allegations related to underage dating, the mismanagement of the DUI incident, and the alleged connections between the agency manager and a YouTuber as “clearly fabricated and entirely unacceptable” against their leading artist.

Nevertheless, the damage control hasn’t done much to bring the majority of the K-drama fandom back into Kim Soo Hyun’s corner. His upcoming project, the drama Knock-Off faces uncertainty as the negative sentiment against him has already started settling in.

Netizens declare: ‘Boycott Kim Soo Hyun’

Given the current situation, it won’t be a shocker if high-budget drama production’s Disney Plus premiere is delayed. But as the controversy casting a shadow on Kim’s career is only showing signs of gradual escalation, Korean netizens are demanding brands he’s associated with to drop him as their model.

Soo Hyun's association with over 18 prominent brands across diverse sectors, including fashion, luxury, retail, cosmetics, and finance, has prompted netizens to threaten a boycott of these companies unless the actor's contracts are terminated. 

Among the brands linked to the high-earning actor are Prada (fashion), Homeplus (retail), Shinhan Financial Group (finance), Estee Lauder Companies (fragrance), KOSE - DECORTE AQ (cosmetics), YOU Beauty (cosmetics), HEBE Beauty (cosmetics), and Swatch Group – MIDO (watches). Fans of K-culture are left to ponder the financial implications of potentially ending substantial contracts with such a significant figure in the industry.

K-drama actor's Instagram filled with hate comments

Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have seen an influx of derogatory comments directed at the Hallyu star. As additional information regarding the purported exposé of Kim Soo Hyun emerges, coupled with Kim Sae Ron’s aunt attributing the actress's death by suicide to him, online users are uniting to assign blame to him.

K-drama enthusiasts have not overlooked the unfortunate timing of the actress's passing coinciding with the birthday of the prominent actor. Numerous comments expressing sentiments such as “Justice for Kim Saeron” have been accumulating beneath the actor and his agency's latest Instagram posts. One individual remarked in the comments section of a Gold Medalist post promoting the star of Queen of Tears, “Your birthday is someone else's death day.” Another user stated, “I will never support someone who exploits minors. All that has been concealed will eventually come to light.”

Soo Hyun's most recent Instagram post, shared on February 12, has experienced a notable increase in negative reactions. An Instagram user proclaimed, “Boycott Kim Soo Hyun.” Additionally, another individual went so far as to label the actor as “Korean Diddy.”

Not everyone is against Kim Soo Hyun

A segment of the actor's fanbase continues to express their support for him. One Instagram follower remarked, "True fans are here to support you, Soohyun❤️❤️❤️❤️." Another individual stated, "To those accusing him of her death, it is worth noting that the same individuals who are making these accusations were the ones who relentlessly bullied her, contributing to her tragic end. Humanity can be quite absurd." Additionally, some fans have urged the actor to turn off the comments feature on his account.

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