Kim Soo Hyun, the renowned South Korean actor, held a tearful press conference on March 31st to address the 20-day long controversy and accusations surrounding his private life. The 37-year-old actor denied allegations related to his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron and announced a lawsuit against the late actress’s family and the YouTube channel Viện Garo Sero, seeking 12 billion won (over $8 million USD) in compensation.
A Tearful and Emotional Press Conference
Held in Seoul, South Korea, the press conference saw Kim Soo Hyun cry openly for over 30 minutes while explaining his side of the story, pausing occasionally to regain composure. His emotional display deeply resonated with fans and media, necessitating assistance even after the event. As previously announced, he refused to answer questions from reporters.
Kim Soo Hyun asserted that his relationship with the late Kim Sae Ron ended four years ago when she reached adulthood. He denied all accusations of teasing, pressuring, or harming her. He emphasized that at the time Kim Sae Ron shared images with him on social media in 2024, she was already in a relationship with someone else.
Denying Defamation and False Accusations
The actor explained his adherence to regulations during the filming of “Tears of a Queen,” and that publicly revealing his private relationship could have seriously jeopardized his career. He admitted his previous actions were “cowardly and selfish,” and was prepared to accept the consequences.
He also refuted allegations of betrayal by the family of the late Kim Sae Ron, claiming that the accusations were constructed from edited messages with the intention of damaging his reputation. He vehemently stated that he was telling the truth.
He shared that he had been living in constant distress and fear during the past few days due to the distorted information and hoped that people would understand and empathize with him.
Lawsuit Against Viện Garo Sero and the Aftermath
Kim Soo Hyun officially sued the family of the late Kim Sae Ron and the YouTube channel Viện Garo Sero, demanding 12 billion won in compensation for damages to his reputation and career. Viện Garo Sero immediately responded, releasing a series of alleged dating photos from 2018, when Kim Sae Ron was still in high school, and accused him of lying about the timing of the relationship.
Impact on Career and Public Opinion
The incident sparked a widespread public debate, dividing opinions. Some supported Kim Soo Hyun, while others remained skeptical. Audiences praised his appearance as stylish and youthful. However, the public release of private photos from 2018 raised concerns about the misuse of personal information and the veracity of the allegations.
Conclusion
Kim Soo Hyun’s case highlights the devastating impact of online defamation on artists’ careers and personal lives. His emotional press conference and lawsuit draw attention to the issue and raises questions about truth, responsibility, and the role of social media.
