Updated on: 13 March, 2025 02:50 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar

The core of the controversy stems from claims made by the YouTube channel "Garosero Research Institute," alleging a past romantic relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron. These claims sparked outrage, particularly due to the sensitive nature of their alleged age difference. The significant age gap between the two, if the allegations are true, is a major point of contention. The channel asserted that their relationship began when Kim Sae Ron was 15, while Kim Soo Hyun was 27. This raised serious ethical concerns and drew widespread criticism.

Agency Ties:
The YouTube channel alleged that Kim Sae Ron played a role in the early stages of Kim Soo Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist. They claimed she provided "free labour," including acting lessons and talent direction, during their alleged relationship. This suggests a potential power imbalance and exploitation.
Financial Dispute:
A critical element of the controversy involves claims that Kim Soo Hyun and his agency assisted Kim Sae Ron with financial damages resulting from her DUI incident. However, it's alleged that the agency later demanded repayment, leading to financial strain for her. This financial pressure was then alleged to have contributed to her suicide.
Instagram Post:
Kim Sae Ron's now-deleted Instagram post, featuring a photo with Kim Soo Hyun, was interpreted by many as a deliberate attempt to gain his attention. Given the context of the alleged financial dispute and her attempts to contact him, the post fuelled speculation about their relationship and the nature of their interactions.
Suicide Claims:
The most tragic and contentious aspect of the controversy is the claim that financial pressure, stemming from the alleged dispute with Kim Soo Hyun's agency, played a role in Kim Sae Ron's reported suicide. This allegation has intensified public scrutiny and heightened the emotional impact of the situation.