) |
|
The South Korean entertainment industry has been rocked by a series of allegations surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun, best known for his roles in popular K-dramas such as 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' and the more recent 'Queen of Tears.' These allegations, brought forth primarily by the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (also known as Hoverlab), center on a purported six-year-long relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron, a relationship which allegedly began when Sae-ron was just 15 years old, while Kim Soo-hyun was 27. The claims have ignited a firestorm of controversy online, prompting intense scrutiny of Kim Soo-hyun's personal life and raising serious questions about the power dynamics and ethical considerations within the Korean entertainment world. The timing of the allegations, coinciding with the airing of Kim Soo-hyun's highly successful drama 'Queen of Tears,' has amplified the impact of the scandal, potentially jeopardizing his career and reputation. This detailed account delves into the specifics of the allegations, the responses from Kim Soo-hyun's agency, and the broader implications for the actor and the Korean entertainment landscape. The core of the controversy revolves around the claims made by Garosero Research Institute, which alleges that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were secretly involved in a romantic relationship for six years, beginning in 2015. According to the YouTube channel, this information was sourced from Kim Sae-ron's aunt, who stated that Sae-ron was 15 years old at the time the relationship began, while Kim Soo-hyun was 27. While South Korea's age of consent was 13 at that time, it was later raised to 16 in 2020. Moreover, a person is only considered an adult in South Korea at the age of 19. This aspect of the allegations has drawn significant criticism and sparked outrage among netizens, many of whom perceive the relationship as predatory and exploitative, given the significant age difference and Sae-ron's status as a minor when the relationship allegedly commenced. Further complicating matters is the tragic passing of Kim Sae-ron earlier this year. The circumstances surrounding her death have added a layer of sensitivity to the allegations, with some critics accusing Garosero Research Institute of exploiting her memory for sensationalism and views. Others, however, argue that the truth about the relationship, if it existed, should be brought to light, regardless of the personal cost. The allegations also extend to Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist. According to Garosero Research Institute, Kim Sae-ron joined Gold Medalist in 2019 after leaving YG Entertainment, allegedly playing a key role in supporting Kim Soo-hyun by providing free acting lessons and helping train new talent. Furthermore, the YouTube channel claims that Kim Soo-hyun and Gold Medalist financially supported Kim Sae-ron after her drunk driving scandal in 2022, covering 700 million won ($483,000) in damages on her behalf. However, the situation reportedly soured when Kim Sae-ron's contract with Gold Medalist ended, and she allegedly received a legal notice demanding repayment of the 700 million won. This alleged demand for repayment, coupled with Kim Soo-hyun's purported silence in response to her pleas for more time, is said to have contributed to Sae-ron's emotional distress and, ultimately, her tragic decision to take her own life on February 16, Kim Soo-hyun's birthday. Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has vehemently denied the allegations, issuing a firm statement rejecting them as "baseless and malicious." The agency has vowed to clarify the facts and respond to the rumors with clear evidence, promising to announce its position in the coming days. Gold Medalist has also insisted that it had no intention of collecting repayment from Kim Sae-ron and that the legal notice was merely a formality. Furthermore, the agency has condemned Garosero Research Institute for spreading false rumors and has warned of legal action against the YouTube channel. Despite the agency's strong denials, Garosero Research Institute has continued to release additional information, including an alleged text message from Kim Sae-ron to Kim Soo-hyun after she received the legal notice demanding repayment. The text message reportedly shows Sae-ron pleading for more time to return the money, stating that she is working hard on preparing to make a comeback and will gradually pay back a certain percentage with each project. She also reportedly begged Kim Soo-hyun to give her some time and not resort to a lawsuit. The YouTube channel has also published a photo of Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron on the cheek, along with a handwritten letter allegedly from him to her. The letter, dated June 9, 2018, when Kim Soo-hyun was still serving in the military, allegedly shows him referring to Sae-ron as “Saero-Nero” and writing: “It’s hard to see your face but I don’t want to burden you. All I can say is I miss you.” If authentic, the letter would further fuel the controversy, given the age difference between the two at the time. The allegations against Kim Soo-hyun have had a significant impact on his career and reputation. He has reportedly lost approximately 600,000 Instagram followers since the allegations surfaced, and over 19 of his brand deals are at risk. Several brands, including beauty brand Dinto, Jeju Airlines, bakery chain Tous les Jours, and athleisure brand K2 Korea, have reportedly halted promotional activities featuring the actor or quietly pulled advertisements featuring him. The controversy has also led to growing boycott calls, with netizens urging brands, films, and shows to distance themselves from Kim Soo-hyun. His upcoming K-drama 'Knock-Off,' co-starring Jo Bo-ah, has also been caught in the crossfire, with demands for its cancellation spreading across social media. Additionally, reports suggest that Kim Soo-hyun will be skipping the next recording of 'Good Day,' the variety show hosted by rapper G-Dragon. The Kim Soo-hyun controversy raises several important questions about the Korean entertainment industry and the treatment of its stars. First, it highlights the intense scrutiny and pressure that celebrities face, particularly in the age of social media. The allegations against Kim Soo-hyun have been amplified and disseminated rapidly online, leading to immediate and significant damage to his reputation. Second, the controversy raises concerns about the power dynamics within the industry, particularly the relationships between older and younger stars. The allegations that Kim Soo-hyun had a relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, if true, would represent a serious abuse of power and a violation of ethical boundaries. Third, the controversy underscores the importance of responsible journalism and the need for media outlets to verify information before publishing potentially damaging allegations. Garosero Research Institute has been criticized for its reliance on unverified sources and its sensationalistic approach to reporting the story. Finally, the Kim Soo-hyun controversy serves as a reminder of the mental health challenges faced by celebrities and the importance of providing them with support and resources. The tragic passing of Kim Sae-ron highlights the devastating consequences that can result from unchecked pressure, online harassment, and a lack of adequate mental health care. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what the long-term impact will be on Kim Soo-hyun's career and the broader Korean entertainment industry. However, one thing is clear: the allegations have exposed a dark underbelly of the industry and raised important questions about power, ethics, and responsibility.
Source: Was 'Queen of Tears' actor Kim Soo-hyun dating Kim Sae-ron, who died by suicide?