South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun was recently the subject of rumors about a long-term relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
According to the YouTube channel Hoverlab, the two were allegedly in a relationship for six years, starting when Sae-ron was 15.
The controversy has taken over social media, and netizens are spilling their thoughts.
Here's what netizens think about the Soo-hyun-Sae-ron controversy:
Recently, Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, dismissed the allegations and said, "The claims about Kim Soo-hyun made in the broadcast are completely false. We are reviewing the strongest possible legal action."
"Our company is deeply saddened by the passing of the late Kim Sae Ron, who was once part of our agency, and we mourn her loss. However, the dissemination of such false information by HoverLab Inc. mirrors the very behavior of so-called “cyber wreckers” that caused the late actress so much pain during her lifetime. Their actions, driven solely by self-interest, not only damage our company but also tarnish the honor of the deceased, and thus we will respond to this matter with the utmost seriousness. We earnestly request that these baseless falsehoods not be further spread, amplified, or reproduced in any way."
Soo-hyun and Sae-ron were formerly under contract under Gold Medalist.
Sae-ron passed away at her home last month in Seoul, South Korea. She was 24 years old.
RELATED: Looking back at Kim Sae-ron's life and career
Kim Sae-ron was born on July 31, 2000 in Seoul. She started her acting career at age nine through the film A Brand New Life.
She attended high school in School of Performing Arts Seoul and in 2018, she was admitted to Chung-Ang University's Department of Performing Arts and Film Studies.
Kim Sae-ron was awarded for her first two acting roles, including Best New Actress at the Korean Film Awards and Buil Film Awards.
In 2015, Kim Sae-ron took on a lead role in a television special titled Snowy Road. The two-part series, centered on the story of comfort women in Korea under Japanese rule during World War II, was later released as a film in theaters. Kim's portrayal of a 15-year-old comfort woman received acclaim from both critics and audiences, earning her the Best Actress award in a Foreign Film at the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival.
Kim Sae-ron was also an advocate for animal welfare and volunteered at dog shelters.
Kim Sae-ron helped care for dogs which were in a foster home, and groomed them for adoption.
Kim Sae-ron mostly kept a private personal life, and was notably known for her great project choices and exemplary acting skills.
In May 2022, she was involved in a car crash and was arrested for driving under the influence in Gangnam District, Seoul. She released a public apology and used her savings to settle compensation for the accident, which involved damage to several structures.
Kim Sae-ron left her upcoming TV program and her acting agency Gold Medalist in 2022. She worked a part-time job to make ends meet, but allegedly quit.
In 2023, she returned to acting in the Netflix drama Bloodhounds after a hiatus.
Kim Sae-ron and actor Kim Soo-hyun were swept up in dating rumors in March 2024 after a photo of them together circulated online, but both stars denied the allegations.
On February 16, 2025--Kim Sae-ron's body was found by a friend in her home in Seoul. News of her passing shocked many and brought them grief, as they were waiting for the young actress's acting comeback.
After an investigation, her death was presumed to be suicide by police officials.
Kim Sae-ron's father spoke up against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho released videos suggesting malicious rumors against the late actress, such as Kim Sae-ron's family misusing her earnings and distributing her ashes at the ossuary. Kim Sae-ron's father deemed these accusations unforgiveable and planned to take legal action against Lee Jin-ho.
In March 2025, YouTube channel Hoverlab, also known as Garo Sero Institute, stated Kim Sae-ron's family revealed the actress was in a relationship for six years with actor Kim Soo-hyun, from 2015 to 2021, when she was 16 years old and he was 30. Korea Times reported on March 12, "additional materials provided by Kim Sae-ron's bereaved family, including a text message sent by the actress and a previously unseen photo of the two. The message, dated March 19, 2023, was said to reflect financial distress and a strained relationship between the two."
Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun denied the dating rumors through a statement from his agency, Gold Medalist. Kim Sae-won was also an artist under the said label in the past. Rumors continued as more stories unfolded, while netizens noticed Kim Sae-won's passing took place on the day of Kim Soo-hyun's birthday. The actor was also not present during her funeral.