This article discusses sensitive topics, including suicide, mental health struggles, and grooming. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available.
If you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a professional resource. In South Korea, you can contact the Mental Health Centre Crisis Counselling at 1577-0199 or the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1393. If you’re in the U.S., the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988. For other international resources, please visit befrienders.org.
You are not alone. There is support, and there is hope.
Any variations in ages throughout this article result from differences in international and Korean age reckoning. In Korea, a newborn is considered one year old at birth and ages up every New Year’s Day—meaning a baby born on December 31 would be two years old by January 1. Meanwhile, international age follows the standard system, where age increases on a person’s actual birthday each year. We apologize for any confusion this may cause.
The family of the late actor Kim Saeron, best known for her roles in A Brand New Film and The Queen’s Classroom, has come forward with damning allegations against actor Kim Soohyun, accusing him of grooming, manipulation, extortion, and more.
According to Saeron’s family, they initially attempted to share their story through mainstream media but repeatedly hit roadblocks. Frustrated by the lack of coverage, they turned to Garosero, a far-right independent media platform that releases stories via YouTube. Operating without editorial constraints, Garosero is the country’s top non-celebrity YouTube channel in terms of donations and Super Chat revenue, according to Namuwiki.
Saeron died by suicide on February 16, 2025—the same day as Kim Soohyun’s birthday.
Background
Kim Saeron
Kim Saeron was born on July 31, 2000, and began exploring the entertainment industry at a young age, as many artists often do. She made her debut as a child model in 2001 before transitioning to acting at the age of nine, starring as the lead character in the film A Brand New Film. A year later, she appeared alongside Won Bin in the critically acclaimed movie The Man from Nowhere (2010). Her first two roles earned her numerous accolades, including the Best New Actress award at the Korean Film Awards and a Baeksang Art Award. Over the next few years, Saeron continued to build her career with notable performances in films like I Am a Dad, Listen to My Heart, and The Neighbor. In 2013, her role in The Queen’s Classroom won her the Best Young Actress Award at the MBC Drama Awards.
In 2016, Saeron signed with YG Entertainment, but after her contract expired in 2018, she chose not to renew it. Instead, she joined Kim Soohyun’s newly established company, Gold Medalist. However, her career faced a significant setback in April 2022 when she was cast in the drama Trolley. Following a DUI incident, charges were filed against her, leading to her departure from the project. In response, Saeron released an apology on Instagram, which read:
First, I deeply regret having to inform you about this situation after arranging the accident and damage details. On May 18, 2022, around 8 a.m. in Gangnam, I caused an accident that damaged public property while under the influence of alcohol.
I made a grave mistake, and my actions have harmed countless people, including merchants, citizens, and those involved in restoring the damage. I should have acted more responsibly, but I failed to do so. I sincerely apologize.
Together with my agency, I am actively working to resolve the damages caused by the accident. I will do everything possible to communicate and address the matter fully. I am also deeply sorry to my fellow actors, staff, and the production team for disrupting the filming and preparation of the work.
Once again, I offer my sincerest apologies for causing concern. There is no excuse for this unfortunate incident. I am deeply disappointed and ashamed of my mistakes.
As a result of the incident, Netflix announced it would not film additional scenes featuring Saeron for its 2023 series Bloodhounds. The show was later released after a significant portion of her scenes were edited out.
In March 2022, Kim Soohyun denied dating rumors involving Saeron. Later that year, in December 2022, Saeron’s contract with Gold Medalist expired.
Tragically, on February 16, 2025, Saeron was found dead in her home by a friend. She was just 24 years old. An investigation ruled her death a suicide. Kwon Young-chan, head of a civic group dedicated to preventing suicide among public figures, revealed to reporters that Saeron’s father had shared how deeply she was affected by harsh social media posts and sensationalized articles published by mainstream news outlets. Her passing sparked widespread criticism of the way media and society treat celebrities, highlighting the need for greater compassion and accountability.
Kim Soohyun
Kim Soohyun was born on February 16, 1988, to Kim Chung-hoon, the lead singer of the 1980s band Seven Dolphins. His parents separated during his early childhood, and he grew up primarily under the care of his single mother.
During his school years, Soohyun’s mother encouraged him to take acting classes to help him overcome his shyness. This decision sparked his aspirations to become an actor, and by 2007, he had made his debut as a TV actor with a supporting role in the sitcom Kimchi Cheese Smile. In 2009, he enrolled at Chung-Ang University, majoring in Film and Theater to further hone his craft.
In 2011, Soohyun rose to fame after starring in the hit drama Dream High. The series gained immense popularity both domestically and internationally, earning high ratings and cementing his status as a rising star. Notably, he was the only actor in a cast otherwise composed of idols, which required him to undergo three months of intensive training in singing and dancing at JYP Entertainment to meet the drama’s demands. His success continued when he starred in the period drama The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), which became a “national drama” due to its record-breaking ratings. Riding the wave of his popularity, Soohyun set a new record by becoming the face of seventeen product endorsements simultaneously.
From 2014 to 2017, Soohyun’s international fame soared after his role in My Love from the Star, alongside Jun Ji-hyun. He broke his own endorsement record, becoming the face of thirty-five products—a testament to his widespread appeal. His growing international fanbase helped solidify his position as one of Korea’s most beloved leading actors.
Beyond his reputation as one of Korea’s highest-paid actors and the “King of Product Endorsements,” Soohyun was also celebrated for his philanthropy. Since 2012, he and his global fanbase have donated a staggering 20 tons of rice to the Salvation Army. In 2014, he contributed to the China Children & Teenagers’ Fund, and joined the Yellow Ribbon Campaign, donating 300 million KRW (approximately $204,415 USD at today’s exchange rate) to support the victims of the Sewol tragedy.
However, Soohyun’s career faced controversy in March 2024 when late actor Kim Saeron posted—and later deleted—a photo of the pair on Instagram, sparking dating rumors. The situation escalated in March 2025 when Saeron’s family accused Soohyun of engaging in a six-year-long relationship with her, beginning when she was just 15 years old and he was 27. These allegations led to widespread public scrutiny and tarnished his once-pristine image.
Garosero’s Revelations
In early March, YouTuber Garosero Yeonguso, also known as HoverLab, Inc., made explosive claims about Korean actor Kim Soohyun’s relationship with the late actress Kim Saeron.
Garosero, who spoke with Saeron’s aunt, revealed that Saeron and Soohyun had been in a six-year relationship, including during the early days of his company, Gold Medalist. Despite receiving multiple offers from other agencies, Saeron signed with Gold Medalist and worked diligently, even mentoring rookie actors without pay.
According to Garosero, Soohyun lent Saeron 700 million KRW (approximately $476,969 USD at today’s exchange rate) to cover damages and settlements after her DUI incident on May 18, 2022. The crash in Gangnam District caused power outages for around 57 locations and significantly impacted nearby businesses. Although Soohyun never set a deadline for repayment, Saeron intended to return the money over time.
However, after settling her legal penalties and compensation fees, Saeron received a certified letter demanding repayment. Struggling financially, she attempted to contact Soohyun directly, but he did not answer. When attempting to call him from her cousin’s number, they instead received inquiries from a journalist about whether the number belonged to Saeron.
Desperate for a response, Saeron posted a photo of herself with Soohyun, hoping he would reach out. It would later be revealed that this picture was taken when she was 16 years old. She later deleted the photo, and Soohyun released a statement denying any dating rumors, with Gold Medalist claiming the photo was taken when they were under the same management and they were unaware of Saeron’s intentions in sharing it.
Saeron’s aunt revealed that YouTube reporter Lee Jin-ho frequently featured Saeron in his videos, often sparking a wave of subsequent news articles. The relentless media scrutiny took a severe emotional toll on Saeron, leading her family to place her under 24-hour supervision in an effort to protect her well-being.
Even on the day of Saeron’s death, Lee made controversial remarks during a broadcast, stating that had Saeron simply reached out for help, he could have used his connections with a manager to assist her. To make matters worse, Lee allegedly contacted the family on the day of Saeron’s funeral, further exacerbating their grief. These actions have prompted Saeron’s family to consider pursuing legal action against him.
Days before her passing, Saeron had been staying with her aunt, who noted how frail she had become. Despite her struggles, she continued caring for her family—cooking fried rice, which her aunt movingly described as the last meal her niece made for her.
Gold Medalist Denies Relationship, Dispatch Confirms
After Garosero’s revelations, Kim Soohyun swiftly denied any claims of a romantic relationship with Kim Saeron. Gold Medalist issued a statement calling the allegations “clearly false and baseless” and vowed to take “the strongest possible legal action” against Garosero for “spreading falsehoods.”
In a shocking twist, Dispatch, the media outlet known for uncovering celebrity relationships, confirmed on March 12, 2025, that Kim Saeron and Kim Soohyun were indeed in a relationship, beginning when Saeron was 15 and Soohyun was 27. Despite Gold Medalist previously denying the rumors, Dispatch reported that their relationship was an open secret in the industry, with Saeron’s age being a key reason it remained undisclosed. The outlet also suggested that the controversy surrounding their relationship, along with intense social media scrutiny, may have played a role in her untimely death.
Soohyun’s Alleged Pursuit of Saeron
Saeron’s aunt revealed that her niece initially didn’t like Soohyun, but he persistently pursued her throughout middle school. At the time, no one in her family was aware of his advances. When they eventually learned about the relationship while Saeron was in high school, her family intervened to put a stop to it.
A letter Soohyun wrote to Saeron during his military service, when she was 17, has since been released. In it, he reflects on his day, the weather, and his emotions, concluding with a heartfelt message:
Today was a wonderfully chaotic Saturday, thanks to the ever-changing weather. It’s a good day to write something or reflect. This morning, I wondered, ‘What kind of day will this be with all this fog?’ Later, I went to a karaoke place, butchered Shin Seung-hoon ajussi’s songs, and got scolded… ㅇㅅㅇ
Then the piercing sunlight appeared suddenly, like a lie, and I thought, ‘Wow, this feels like something.’ I grabbed my oil and headed to the helipad to tan. An hour passed, and it got too hot—I couldn’t continue.
Later, I took some calm pills and started rewatching Heart Signal 2. I cheered so hard, then felt disappointed.
On the night of the ambush, when our success rate was 99%, the sky was filled with so many stars that the terrain was clearly visible. I spent the whole night feeling scared.
As the weather cleared, the scent of the changing season filled the air. Even though I was exhausted from training, I suddenly smelled ‘sand soaked in sunlight.’ I felt sentimental all day. I wonder… what’s the right standard or sign? What am I looking at or feeling? I don’t want to pressure you, but the most I can say is… I miss you.
When I get discharged, I think I should return to work quickly. I also think about traveling—maybe somewhere close like Japan or far like Northern Europe. Sometimes, I get swept up by these young folks and wonder if I should go back to school. Ah, does that mean we’d go together? But when is my discharge…? Looking back, I’ve already served eight months, but looking forward, I still have more than a year left. Ahaha.
So, for the rest of the time… I’ll give it my all. Please take care of me. Loyalty.
Netizens were appalled by his remark, “Sometimes, I get swept up by these young folks and wonder if I should go back to school.” Many criticized him, commenting, “This freaking ahjussi is f*cking jealous of kids” and “Perverted ahjussi.”
In addition to pursuing and corresponding with Saeron, Soohyun also wanted to marry her, according to her aunt. Speaking to Garosero, Saeron’s aunt revealed, “The two even talked about getting married. He asked her to marry him.”
When asked whether this discussion took place while Saeron was still a minor, her aunt clarified that it happened in her early 20s. However, Soohyun ultimately broke up with Saeron when she was 21.
Won Bin’s Offer to Help
Actor Won Bin, who starred alongside Kim Saeron in 2010’s Man From Nowhere, allegedly offered to pay off her 700 million KRW debt in full. However, Kim Soohyun insisted that Saeron repay the amount herself. He reportedly pressured her by issuing a usage certificate, which ultimately forced her to leave her home in Seongsu-dong. In Korea, a usage certificate is a document that verifies the use or ownership of assets, such as a vehicle or an apartment building.
Further Allegations Against Soohyun & Gold Medalist
As allegations against Kim Soohyun and his relationship with Kim Saeron continue to unfold, netizens have begun scrutinizing his connections with other high-profile women.
A rumor, yet to be confirmed, suggests that Soohyun used actor Seo Yeji—best known for It’s Okay to Not Be Okay—as a scapegoat, with Gold Medalist feeding false information to Dispatch to cover internal scandals.
Seo Yeji’s controversies date back to 2014, when a former classmate accused her of school bullying and extortion. The classmate explained that she had remained silent because, as a mother, coming forward was difficult. In 2017, Yeji was accused of faking her educational background after claiming on Knowing Bros that she had studied in Spain for three years. She later retracted the claim in Woman Sense, admitting, “I never attended university in Spain and never aspired to be a news anchor.”
She also faced allegations of staff mistreatment, with an anonymous former employee accusing her of verbal abuse and forcing them to buy cigarettes. However, they noted that no concrete evidence existed, as Yeji allegedly monitored staff phones. Her romantic history also came under scrutiny when her past relationship with Crash Landing on You actor Kim Jung-hyun surfaced, revealing that she pressured him to avoid physical contact with his Time co-star, Seohyun of Girls’ Generation.
The rumor regarding Yeji’s alleged scapegoating comes from an anonymous statement:
Four years ago, I worked at Gold Medalist but was fired for leaking information about Seo Yeji to Dispatch and OSN. However, reporters didn’t publish it because CEO Lee Sa-rang instructed them to protect the company’s reputation. While Kim Soohyun and Lee Sa-rang have their own issues, Seo Yeji was used as a shield. Gold Medalist fabricated some of the negative claims about her, including accusations of rudeness and school violence, even paying people to spread false rumors. Yeji trusted Soohyun and re-signed with Gold Medalist, but the company exploited her for profit. Actor Kim Jung-hyun once stated that his agency would sue over false claims about Yeji, but they never did. Even during the release of Eve, the company failed to promote it. There’s more to this story—Kim Saeron knew the truth. To her parents: If you check her pink-covered diary, you’ll find out what really happened between her and Kim Soohyun. But don’t worry—Gold Medalist will eventually expose itself.
Beyond Seo Yeji, Soohyun’s past association with the late K-pop idol Sulli has also resurfaced. On March 27, Sulli’s brother, Choi Geon-hee, posted a cryptic Instagram message:
“It’s been six years since my sister passed. Six years since you played with her. Now, six years of pain await you. Don’t break down too soon.”
Though he didn’t mention Soohyun by name, the timing of his post, coinciding with Soohyun’s scandal, fueled speculation that Soohyun was the intended target.
Fans have also revisited Real, a film directed by Lee Sa-rang, Soohyun’s relative and CEO of Gold Medalist. Upon its release, Real faced backlash, particularly over a topless scene featuring Sulli, who was transitioning from K-pop to film. Sulli’s brother claimed the scene wasn’t in the original script and that, although a body double had been arranged, they were absent on the day of filming, pressuring his sister into performing the scene herself.
Adding to the controversy, Real’s original director, Lee Jung-sub, reshared a tweet about his abrupt replacement, which read: “Lee Jung-sub had absolutely 0% responsibility for how the movie turned out.” Lee responded, “Thank you. This has pained me deeply for a long time.”
Garosero Spills More Tea
As Soohyun and Gold Medalist continued to deny any inappropriate relationship with Saeron, as well as claims that he demanded repayment, Garosero released personal photos of Soohyun that had undergone forensic analysis. The results confirmed that the photos were taken by Saeron when she was in the 11th grade. Additionally, Garosero released KakaoTalk messages between Saeron and her cousin, in which they discussed Gold Medalist’s statement regarding the photo she had posted in an attempt to get Soohyun’s attention. In the chats, Saeron explicitly stated that they had begun dating when she was 16.
She also shared a draft of a statement with her cousin that read:
Hello, this is Kim Saeron.
First of all, I would like to apologize to everyone who has been affected and confused by my carelessness, as well as to the broadcast staff.
Although the dating rumors that have been reported earlier have been clarified as completely false, I clearly state that this is not true.
The photo posted on my story was from 2016. Our relationship lasted from November 19, 2015, to July 7, 2021.I was 16 years old, and he was 30. Our relationship of six years ended just like that.
As someone who was born into the profession of acting, I was looking for a new company before the re-signing season. During discussions with my ex’s company, I ended up signing with Gold Medalist without going into details about the contract and conditions. I worked on new talent casting and visual directing but did not receive legitimate payment for it.Unlike my previous company’s contract renewal, I signed a renewal agreement with the condition of financial loan support. However, when it was time to renew the contract, I tried to contact the company and Kim Soohyun, but both went silent. Later, I received a legal notice stating that my contract would not be renewed.
Thus, in May 2022, my exclusive contract with Gold Medalist was terminated. I sincerely apologize to the drama staff, all the hard-working team members, actors, writers, directors, and everyone who contributed to projects unrelated to this issue.
On March 27, Saeron’s family held a press conference, during which they revealed a handwritten letter she had written to Soohyun:
Letter from Kim Saeron to Kim Soohyun
Hi, this is Roni [her nickname].
I hope you’re doing well.
I’m writing this to clear up any misunderstandings about our relationship. I haven’t been able to contact anyone from the agency, and I’m scared of the lawsuit. I’m sorry for uploading the picture—I did it to get the company’s attention. I regret any harm it caused you.I feel scared and uncomfortable around the GOLD MEDALIST employees. Since leaving the agency, no one has responded to my attempts to reach out, but I didn’t want to bother you. I truly wish for your happiness.
We were together for five or six years. You were my first and last love. I wish you wouldn’t avoid me—it hurts to feel like all the time we spent together meant nothing. I just want us to get along, nothing more, just enough to support each other. Do you really hate me that much? Why?
If this letter doesn’t reach you, then our relationship is truly over forever. I’ll carry my sadness and won’t interfere in your life anymore. But please, don’t hate me. I just hope to see you smile again.
Here’s my phone number. If you read this, please call me. No matter what I do, I can’t seem to convey my true feelings. My address is still the same. Please know that I support all your future work and relationships. I just hope you don’t look back on our time together negatively.
— Kim Sae Ron
Soohyun’s Sponsorships
As the scandal unfolded, Soohyun’s sponsorship deals began to collapse. Initially, Homeplus and Eider took a “wait and see” approach, maintaining their advertising contracts with him. On March 12, Homeplus, which had recently hired him as a model, stated, “Since there are no objectively confirmed facts yet, we will observe the situation carefully. As of now, nothing has changed because these remain unverified claims.” Eider echoed a similar stance, saying, “No final decisions have been made, so we have nothing additional to share.”
Meanwhile, vegan beauty brand Dinto postponed its scheduled promotions with Soohyun, despite recently signing him as a model.
As the controversy deepened, his image was quietly removed from advertisements for Homeplus, Shinhan Bank, Shabu All Day, Tous les Jours, and Dinto.
The financial fallout became apparent during Soohyun’s press conference, which many believe was not just a denial of allegations but also a last-ditch effort to save his agency from bankruptcy. Reports indicate that Gold Medalist once had a surplus of 2–3 billion KRW (roughly $1.36 million to $2.04 million). However, with over 20 endorsements pulled and advertisers demanding penalty fees, the company’s finances have dwindled so severely that they reportedly terminated their contract with their cleaning service.
Kim Soohyun’s Press Conference
After initially denying Kim Soohyun and Kim Saeron’s relationship, Gold Medalist later admitted they had been romantically involved—but only after she was of legal age.
Soohyun then held a press conference to address the allegations but refused to take questions.
Dressed in black, he sat before the press and, amid flashing cameras, broke down in tears. He explained that he had delayed responding because he had been “busy running away and denying things,” fearing his words would cause more harm to himself and those around him.
He admitted to dating Saeron but claimed their relationship began in 2020—five years ago—and lasted only a year, insisting they were never together while she was underage. He also addressed the photo Saeron had posted of them during Queen of Tears, explaining that he denied their relationship at the time to avoid negative repercussions for the project. He stood by his decision, saying he would make the same choice again.
Soohyun revealed that people around him advised him to admit to “a certain extent,” believing public interest would fade, and he could later prepare for a comeback. He reflected, “If I had listened to them, maybe my private life with the deceased wouldn’t have been exposed to this extent.”
He denied that Saeron’s suicide resulted from his silence or pressure from his agency to repay her debt. He claimed their relationship had naturally drifted apart after their breakup and that, during her DUI incident, he could not contact her because she was dating someone else at the time.
Regarding the audio recordings, he stated: “I can’t say that I did something I didn’t do,” and claimed they had been recorded after the scandal was exposed. He also disputed key details, including the dates of photos, their age difference, and Saeron’s contractual role at his company. He denied that she had any executive decision-making power in casting or visual direction, reducing her role to that of an actress.
Soohyun described himself as having two sides: “human Kim Soohyun” and “star Kim Soohyun,” explaining that he had always made decisions through the latter’s mindset.
He concluded the press conference with: “What I did, I did. I can take all the criticism for that. But I will not do what I did not do. For all the people who still believe in me, I want to reveal that much. I will not ask you to believe me. I will definitely prove it.”
With that, he bowed to the press. As he turned to leave, a female journalist called out, asking him to reveal the first time he went out with Saeron. He did not answer and exited the conference.
Shortly after, Soohyun and his agency filed criminal complaints and civil lawsuits against Saeron’s family and Garosero, seeking 11 billion KRW (roughly 7.4 million USD).
Will There Be Accountability?
Kim Saeron is yet another name added to South Korea’s growing list of women failed by a patriarchal and misogynistic society—one that continues to let women down when it comes to their rights. Yes, she took her own life, but there is no denying that she was pushed to the edge, trapped in a situation she could no longer escape. The scrutiny, the negative press, the relentless ostracization—her death was not a matter of if, but when.
And while Saeron’s case with Kim Soohyun dominates headlines now, she will inevitably fade into obscurity. She will become another tragic figure who died too young, gone too soon. The outrage is loud, reverberating across domestic and international media. Brands are cutting ties with Kim Soohyun, and many are calling for accountability—but it won’t last.
History has shown that men, powerful or not, who emotionally, physically, psychologically, or sexually abuse women rarely face lasting consequences. They claim their lives are “ruined,” that they have “lost opportunities.” But what is a few years of jail time or a financial penalty compared to the suffering women endure in life—and even in death?
A dead woman speaks louder than one who is alive.
Added April 16, 2025
On April 15, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, released an official statement announcing they would be taking legal action against malicious posts targeting the actor. As translated by Soompi, the full statement reads:
Hello, this is GOLDMEDALIST.
Recently, malicious posts, comments, and false information targeting our artist, Kim Soo Hyun, have been indiscriminately posted and circulated online. In particular, baseless speculative content and unverified claims have been continuously and repeatedly shared, leading the public to form misconceptions and damaging the artist’s reputation.
Malicious slander, the circulation of false information, personal attacks, and sexual harassment, which are rampant on online communities and social media, are criminal acts that should not be taken lightly. Based on active reports from fans regarding malicious actions and our own internal monitoring, we submitted a legal complaint to investigative authorities on April 14 for charges of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act and for insult under the Criminal Act.
The actions of so-called “cyber wreckers” who exploit anonymity to create fake news and produce cyberbullying-inducing videos and shorts are also a serious concern. As identities of such cyber wreckers are now being revealed and legal action is being taken, we too will respond firmly in coordination with overseas legal representatives against foreign platforms such as YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).
We will continue to file additional complaints against malicious posts that defame our artist’s reputation, and we promise to do our utmost to protect the rights of our artist through strong legal measures against any clear criminal behavior.
Thank you.
We will continue to update this article as more news develops.
Source(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
