YouTuber Lee Jin Ho has been actively updating fans on the unfolding dating controversy between actors Kim Soo Hyun and the late Kim Sae Ron. His recent video, released on May 27, 2025, responds to public claims that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron while she was underage. Through his YouTube platform, Lee Jin Ho has been presenting evidence and laying out the timeline of their relationship to dispute these allegations.
The controversy gained traction after Garo Sero Research Institute shared an old photograph of Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron, claiming it was taken while she was still a minor. Some online users analyzed the image and suggested that the hat Kim Soo Hyun wore in the photo dated back to 2016, implying the picture was taken during that time. This fueled negative reactions toward the Queen of Tears star, intensifying the scrutiny around him.
In response, Lee Jin Ho carefully analyzed the disputed photo in his new video. He compared it with another image from the same day, emphasizing that Kim Sae Ron was seen holding an iPhone 11 in the pictures. He pointed out that the iPhone 11 was only released in September 2019, meaning Kim Sae Ron would have already been an adult at the time. This, he argued, proved that the photograph could not have been taken in 2016, contrary to online speculation.
Despite the YouTuber’s effort to clarify the situation and provide a more accurate timeline, many netizens remain skeptical. The video did little to fully restore public trust, and doubts about the legitimacy of the evidence still circulate online. The issue continues to generate intense debate, particularly among fans and critics of both actors.
Kim Soo Hyun had previously addressed the situation, admitting to having dated Kim Sae Ron, but only after she had reached the legal age of adulthood. His agency, GOLD MEDALIST, also released a statement firmly denying the allegations, labeling them as false and damaging. They emphasized that the relationship did not begin until Kim Sae Ron was legally permitted to date as an adult.
This dating controversy has had widespread consequences, especially for Kim Soo Hyun. He has faced considerable public backlash, with several brands reportedly cutting ties with him. Additionally, his highly anticipated Disney+ drama Knock Off has suffered an indefinite delay due to the surrounding scandal. The situation continues to attract media attention, with more developments expected in the coming weeks.