Kim Soo-hyun’s Press Conference
1. The Controversy: Family Allegations and Escalating Claims
The storm surrounding South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun erupted when the family of the late Kim Sae-ron, alongside the controversial YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (GRI), accused him of an inappropriate relationship with Sae-ron during her minor years. The allegations, which surfaced in early 2025, claimed a six-year romance beginning when Sae-ron was just 15, substantiated by alleged 2016 messages and photos with suggestive undertones. Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Goldmedalist, initially dismissed these as "baseless rumors," only to later clarify that the two had dated for a year after Sae-ron reached adulthood, from summer 2019 to fall 2020. The situation grew murkier when the late Sulli’s family joined the fray, hinting at further unrest from the 2017 film "Real". These conflicting narratives have fueled a relentless cycle of accusations, with GRI threatening additional exposés and the legal battle intensifying as Kim Soo-hyun pursues defamation charges.
2. Public Sentiment in South Korea: A Divided Response
In Korea, public opinion remains sharply polarized. Kim Soo-hyun, once a beloved Hallyu star known for hits like *Queen of Tears*, now faces a fractured fanbase. Some netizens decry him as evasive, pointing to the delayed response and the decision to forgo a Q&A at the press conference as evidence of dodging accountability. Online forums buzz with skepticism, with comments like, "If he’s innocent, why not face the questions?" Meanwhile, loyal supporters—particularly international fans—rally behind him, evidenced by support trucks outside the Stanford Hotel in Mapo-gu on March 31, 2025. Critics argue his celebrity status has long shielded him, while defenders see a man unfairly targeted by sensationalism and grief-driven vengeance. This divide reflects broader tensions in Korean society about celebrity accountability and the power of digital platforms like GRI to shape narratives.
3. The Press Conference: A Solemn Defense or a Hollow Gesture?
On March 31, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun stepped into the spotlight at Seoul’s Stanford Hotel, breaking his silence with a carefully scripted address. Dressed in a somber black suit, he bowed deeply before admitting to a one-year relationship with Kim Sae-ron—post-majority—and firmly denying any underage involvement. Tearfully, he apologized for the pain inflicted on fans, his agency, and Sae-ron’s memory, confessing his fear-driven hesitancy had worsened the fallout. "I’ve always chosen the celebrity Kim Soo-hyun over the human one," he said, accepting the inevitable criticism. Yet, the absence of a Q&A left many unsatisfied, casting the event as more performative than revelatory. While it marked his first public reckoning, the press conference did little to quell the storm, with GRI poised to strike back and the Korean public still wrestling with trust. Whether this was a genuine plea for understanding or a strategic sidestep, only time—and perhaps the courts—will tell.
