Kim Soo Hyun Breaks Down in Tears Denying Explosive Scandal Claims

In a heart-wrenching public appearance that has captivated South Korea, Kim Soo Hyun finally broke his silence on the scandal that’s threatening to derail his illustrious career. The 37-year-old star of Netflix’s “Queen of Tears” addressed explosive allegations about his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-Ron in an emotional press conference that has the entire entertainment industry talking.

Fighting back tears on Monday, March 31, the beloved actor categorically denied claims that he had dated Kim Sae-Ron when she was underage—allegations that have sparked a firestorm of controversy since they first surfaced on a popular YouTube channel earlier this month.

“We Were Just an Ordinary Couple”: Kim Soo Hyun’s Emotional Defense

“I did not date her when she was a minor,” Kim declared at the heavily scrutinized news conference, where he notably declined to take questions from the press. The visibly shaken actor attempted to humanize what has become a sensationalized story, adding: “Apart from the fact that we were both actors, we were just an ordinary couple like anyone else.”

In what appeared to be a carefully prepared statement, Kim continued: “We had feelings for each other, and as time passed, we eventually parted ways. After that, we rarely kept in touch.” The actor’s voice reportedly trembled as he delivered these words to the assembled media.

Legal Battle Intensifies as Kim Takes Action

The scandal has now escalated into a full-blown legal war. Immediately following the press conference, Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, announced they were filing lawsuits against multiple parties—including both the YouTube channel that initially made the allegations and, surprisingly, the family of Kim Sae-Ron herself.

The legal action accuses the defendants of defamation and violation of information protection laws, signaling that Kim and his team are prepared to fight aggressively to clear his name in the court of public opinion—and the actual courts.

A Tragic Backdrop: Remembering Kim Sae-Ron

Adding an even more heartbreaking dimension to this story is the untimely death of actress Kim Sae-Ron. The 24-year-old former child star was found deceased at her home in February, nearly two years after retreating from public life following a drunk-driving incident that severely damaged her once-promising career.

Her fall from grace began in 2022 after crashing her car in Seoul while intoxicated. In April 2023, a Seoul court found her guilty of driving under the influence, and while she avoided jail time, she received a fine of approximately $14,000. More devastatingly, the incident resulted in a crushing public backlash that effectively halted her career.

Authorities have indicated there were no signs of foul play in her death, though the investigation into the circumstances continues.

The Claims That Sparked a National Controversy

The scandal erupted when a politically-oriented YouTube channel made the explosive claim that Kim Soo Hyun had begun a relationship with Kim Sae-Ron when she was still underage. The allegations went viral despite Kim’s immediate denials, creating a social media firestorm that has dominated Korean entertainment news for weeks.

During his press conference, Kim also addressed another damaging element of the scandal—purported text messages between him and Kim Sae-Ron that have circulated widely online. He firmly stated these messages were fabricated: “Many text messages that had been distributed online, supposedly between me and Kim Sae-Ron, were false.”

The High Cost of Scandal: Major Brands Cut Ties

Even as Kim fights to clear his name, the reputational damage has already been substantial. Luxury fashion powerhouse Prada and popular Korean cosmetics brand Dinto have both terminated their lucrative partnerships with the actor in the weeks following the scandal.

These commercial losses represent a significant blow to Kim, who has been one of Korea’s most bankable and sought-after celebrity endorsers for years. Such rapid corporate distancing underscores the high stakes of the controversy in status-conscious South Korea, where public perception can make or break even the biggest stars.

A Star’s Regret: Why Did Kim Stay Silent?

In perhaps the most vulnerable moment of the press conference, Kim addressed his decision to remain silent when rumors about the relationship first emerged last year. In a remarkably candid admission, he revealed he had been concerned about potential repercussions for his recently released Netflix series, “Queen of Tears.”

“If you want to criticize me for being cowardly or selfish, I will accept that,” he acknowledged, in what appeared to be a calculated attempt to demonstrate accountability while maintaining his innocence regarding the core allegations about dating a minor.

A Career in the Balance: What’s Next for Kim Soo Hyun?

Kim Soo Hyun rose to international stardom through award-winning performances in beloved K-dramas like “It’s Okay to Not be Okay” and the phenomenon “My Love from the Star.” His recent Netflix success with “Queen of Tears” had further cemented his position as one of South Korea’s most bankable actors before this scandal erupted.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Kim can weather this storm. The outcome of the newly announced legal actions, public reaction to his tearful defense, and whether additional brands will distance themselves from the actor will all play crucial roles in the fate of his career.

For now, fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely as one of Korea’s brightest stars fights for his professional life and personal reputation in a scandal that has captured the nation’s attention like few before it.

As this story continues to develop, the tragic backdrop of Kim Sae-Ron’s untimely death adds a somber note to a controversy that has shaken the Korean entertainment industry to its core. Whether Kim Soo Hyun can successfully rebuild his image remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the repercussions of this scandal will be felt throughout Korean entertainment for years to come.