As of May 2025, South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun is entangled in multiple legal battles stemming from controversies related to his alleged past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. Below is a comprehensive overview of the lawsuits he is currently facing:
1. Defamation and Stalking Lawsuit Against YouTuber and Kim Sae-ron’s Family
On May 9, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, filed additional criminal complaints against Kim Se-eui, the operator of the YouTube channel HoverLab, and members of Kim Sae-ron’s family. The charges include defamation and violations of the Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crime. These actions were in response to the dissemination of false information and fabricated audio recordings alleging an inappropriate relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron during her minor years.
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2. Defamation Lawsuit Seeking ₩12 Billion in Damages
In early April 2025, Kim Soo-hyun initiated a defamation lawsuit against Kim Sae-ron’s family and HoverLab, seeking approximately ₩12 billion (around $8.9 million USD) in damages. The lawsuit was filed at the Seoul Central District Court, following public accusations that Kim Soo-hyun had dated Kim Sae-ron since she was 15 and had pressured her to repay debts, which allegedly contributed to her tragic death.
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3. Advertiser Lawsuits Totaling ₩30 Billion
As of late April 2025, two companies that had endorsement contracts with Kim Soo-hyun filed lawsuits seeking a combined total of approximately ₩30 billion (about $22 million USD) in damages. These companies allege that the controversies surrounding Kim Soo-hyun’s personal life led to significant financial losses and breached their contracts.
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4. Additional ₩28 Billion Lawsuit from Another Advertiser
On April 25, 2025, another company filed a separate lawsuit against Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, demanding approximately ₩28 billion (around $20.5 million USD) in damages. The company cited negative public opinion resulting from the actor’s controversies as the reason for terminating their contract and seeking compensation.
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5. Potential Legal Action Under the Child Welfare Act
Following a press conference on May 7, 2025, where Kim Sae-ron’s family presented an alleged recording of her claiming to have had a sexual relationship with Kim Soo-hyun at age 14, legal experts indicated that if the recording is authenticated, Kim Soo-hyun could face prosecution under the Child Welfare Act. However, the lack of corroborating evidence and the complexities of the case make legal proceedings uncertain at this time.
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These legal challenges have significantly impacted Kim Soo-hyun’s career, leading to the termination of endorsement deals and ongoing public scrutiny. His agency continues to deny all allegations and is actively pursuing legal avenues to
defend the actor’s reputation.