Kim Sae Ron, a deceased South Korean actress, has been the center of a tumultuous scandal involving numerous figures in the entertainment industry, with prominent actor Kim Soo Hyun caught in the crossfire. Recent revelations about the actress’s personal life have caused significant waves, bringing unwanted attention to those associated with her.
The drama unfolded following reports from YouTuber and former entertainment journalist Lee Jin Ho, who detailed a rumored relationship between Kim Sae Ron and K-pop idol WOODZ from early 2021 to May 2021. The allegations surfaced around April 2025, igniting a firestorm of media attention.
WOODZ, allegedly Kim Sae Ron’s boyfriend, following her breakup with Kim Soo Hyun. (Image Source: Chosun).
Lee Jin Ho’s claims included Kim Sae Ron’s alleged acts of support for WOODZ, such as sending coffee trucks to filming locations and attending events where he was present.
On May 18, 2022, Kim Sae Ron was involved in a serious car accident, an event that further complicated her already challenging career and sparked significant public backlash. Lee Jin Ho stressed that WOODZ should not be held responsible for the accident, attributing the blame squarely to Kim Sae Ron’s actions.
WOODZ (born 1996), a member of the group UNIQ and later X1, has continued his career as a solo artist. X1 disbanded amidst controversy surrounding cheating allegations.
Kim Sae Ron sending drinks to the filming location. (Image Source: Naver).
WOODZ’s agency released a statement to Ilgan Sports, expressing their inability to comment on the matter due to its private nature. This response only served to heighten public confusion and speculation surrounding the affair.
Kim Sae Ron’s previous marriage to a South Korean man, which occurred in early 2024 and was initially denied by her family, further complicated the situation. Later, her marriage certificate from the United States became public knowledge.
Kim Soo Hyun, whose career and reputation have been profoundly impacted by the scandal. (Image Source: Naver).
Lee Jin Ho further alleged that Kim Sae Ron had dated numerous individuals before her death, suggesting Kim Soo Hyun was not her only significant other.
On April 13, 2025, Lee Jin Ho faced a 3-month broadcast ban for sharing information related to Kim Sae Ron’s life. His family is also pursuing legal action against him, citing inaccurate and damaging statements.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron has dominated social media for over a month. The drama began with claims from Kim Sae Ron’s family and the YouTube channel Viện Garo Sero alleging a 6-year relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron, dating back to her minor years. Kim Soo Hyun consistently denied these allegations, only later acknowledging a relationship but asserting it began after Kim Sae Ron reached adulthood.
Kim Sae Ron, who passed away in February. (Image Source: Instagram).
The protracted back-and-forth between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron’s family culminated in a tearful press conference by Kim Soo Hyun in Seoul. Kim Sae Ron’s family continued to demand an apology from Kim Soo Hyun and a formal acknowledgement of their relationship.
In response, Kim Soo Hyun and his agency filed a defamation lawsuit against Kim Sae Ron’s family and Viện Garo Sero, seeking 12 billion won in damages. Kim Sae Ron’s family also launched a petition calling for a “Kim Soo Hyun Law” to increase penalties for those who engage in relationships with minors. Kim Soo Hyun has suffered significant repercussions, including lost endorsement deals, a substantial decrease in Instagram followers, and exclusion from a reality TV show. His upcoming film, Knock Off, has been delayed due to anticipated public backlash. The estimated financial losses for Kim Soo Hyun are substantial, potentially in the tens of millions of dollars. Previously, Kim Soo Hyun was a highly compensated actor and a popular figure in South Korea.
Kim Sae Ron (born 2000), a prominent child actress in South Korea, passed away on February 16, 2025, at her home in Seoul, succumbing to the pressures of public scrutiny and depression. She left no suicide note. Friends stated that she underwent psychological treatment starting in 2022, following the significant public backlash from her car accident.
