Kim Soo-hyun Denies Allegations Amid Controversy

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun made an emotional appearance at a press conference on Monday, vehemently denying allegations surrounding the tragic death of actress Kim Sae-ron. The accusations, which include claims of a romantic relationship when she was a minor and pressure from his agency regarding a debt, have sparked significant backlash against the popular star. Kim Soo-hyun stated, “I can’t admit to something I didn’t do,” as he addressed the media.

Allegations and Emotional Denial

At the heart of the controversy are two serious allegations against Kim Soo-hyun. The first claim suggests that he dated Kim Sae-ron when she was just 15 years old. The second allegation involves claims that his agency pressured her to repay a debt before her untimely death in February. During the press conference, Kim Soo-hyun became visibly emotional, asserting that while he did date Kim Sae-ron for a year, it was only after she reached adulthood. “I never dated her when she was a minor,” he emphasized, seeking to clarify the timeline of their relationship.

This press conference followed weeks of accusations exchanged between Kim Sae-ron’s family and Kim Soo-hyun’s representatives. The scandal first emerged on March 10, shortly after Kim Sae-ron’s death, when a controversial YouTube channel claimed the two had been in a relationship since she was 15. The channel has since released purported evidence, including videos and photos, to support its claims. In response, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency initially denied the allegations but later confirmed that they had dated from 2019 to 2020, during which she was an adult.

Impact on Kim Soo-hyun’s Career

The fallout from these allegations has been swift and severe for Kim Soo-hyun. Once a beloved figure in the South Korean entertainment industry, he now faces significant backlash from fans and brands alike. Following the controversy, several companies have distanced themselves from the actor. Notably, fashion brand Prada announced the termination of its collaboration with him, and a Korean cosmetic brand, Dinto, followed suit. Additionally, a Disney+ show featuring Kim Soo-hyun has reportedly been put on hold due to the ongoing scandal.

In light of the allegations, Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team has taken action. They have filed a criminal complaint against Kim Sae-ron’s family and the YouTube channel operator, as well as a civil lawsuit seeking damages amounting to 12 billion won. The actor’s lawyer stated that they have submitted evidence to the relevant authorities, urging Kim Sae-ron’s family to do the same. As the situation unfolds, the entertainment industry watches closely, with many wondering how this will affect Kim Soo-hyun’s future projects.

Background on Kim Sae-ron

Kim Sae-ron was once regarded as one of South Korea’s most promising young actresses. However, her career faced challenges following a drink-driving incident in 2022, which resulted in a fine of 20 million won. This incident led to significant online backlash against her, complicating her public image. At the time of her death, she was managed by GoldMedalist, the same agency co-founded by a relative of Kim Soo-hyun. Her family has alleged that the agency covered the costs associated with her legal troubles and later pursued repayment, which they claim contributed to her distress.

During the press conference, Kim Soo-hyun firmly denied any responsibility for Kim Sae-ron’s tragic decision to end her life, stating, “She made the tragic choice because of me or my agency pressuring her over a debt.” He also released a voice recording from a year prior, which he claims demonstrates that the agency’s communication regarding the debt was merely procedural and not coercive. As the investigation continues, both Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron’s family remain at the center of a deeply troubling narrative that has captivated and shocked the nation.

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