The South Korean entertainment industry is in turmoil following a bombshell press conference held on May 7, 2025, where shocking allegations were leveled against actor Kim Soo-hyun by the family of late actress Kim Sae-ron. In a high-stakes media event, attorney Boo Ji-seok and investigator Kim Se-eui accused the top actor of violating child protection laws and emotionally abusing Kim Sae-ron during her teenage years.
According to a damning audio recording revealed during the event, Kim Sae-ron reportedly stated that she began dating Kim Soo-hyun in middle school and ended the relationship in college. “I feel like I was used from a young age,” she said, her voice trembling in the tape. The family’s legal team claims this relationship not only crossed moral boundaries but also broke the law.
More disturbing, attorney Boo alleged that Kim Soo-hyun exposed the then-minor actress to sexually explicit images of his encounters with other female idols. These acts, they claim, caused long-term psychological trauma and represent a severe breach of the Child Welfare Act. The accusations have sent shockwaves through both the entertainment industry and the public.
Adding fuel to the fire, whistleblower testimony suggested attempts were made to buy silence through massive bribes. When the whistleblower refused, they were reportedly subjected to threats and even a violent assault—raising serious concerns about an orchestrated cover-up.
In a dramatic counterattack, controversial YouTuber Lee Jin-ho held his own press conference, calling the allegations “fabricated” and dubbing the audio recordings “manipulated data.” He alleged that the source of the tapes was a known scammer dubbed “Ninja Turtle Fraud” and claimed he possessed the original, unedited recordings. “Take it to court,” he challenged the accusers.
Lee also disclosed that Kim Sae-ron had contacted him in the past asking for a $4,500 loan, painting the narrative as more than just an abuse case and casting doubt on the family’s claims. He firmly denied any truth to the claims of threats, coercion, or emotional manipulation.
Kim Sae-ron’s tragic death on February 16, 2025, has added a grim layer to this unfolding scandal. Her family insists that years of emotional damage from her alleged relationship with Kim Soo-hyun played a direct role in her mental health deterioration, possibly leading to her demise.
As both camps gear up for a fierce legal showdown, the public remains divided, and the pressure on authorities to act has reached a boiling point. This unfolding controversy threatens to upend the pristine image of one of Korea’s most celebrated actors and may mark a turning point in how the industry handles power, minors, and accountability.