Date: March 15, 2025 – Seoul

In a shocking turn of events, acclaimed South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun finds himself embroiled in a scandal following the leak of a semi-naked photograph taken at the home of the late actress Kim Sae Ron. The image, revealed by the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, captures the actor washing dishes while clad only in a shirt, leading to widespread public outcry and intensifying familial tensions.

The photo has incited allegations from Kim Sae Ron's family, who contend that Kim Soo Hyun is downplaying the significance of their relationship. They assert that he has been evasive about their past involvement and has sought to manipulate how the narrative is being perceived in the media. Garosero’s report claims that the family permitted the photo’s disclosure to uphold Kim Sae Ron's dignity and legacy, further fuelling contentious discussions in the public sphere.

During a live stream hosted by Garosero, Kim Sae Ron’s family demanded a public apology from Kim Soo Hyun, accusing him of engaging in a relationship with the actress when she was a minor, a claim that Kim Soo Hyun's agency vehemently refutes. This statement from the family triggered additional demands for acknowledgment from Gold Medalist, the actor's management company, which they accuse of belittling the relationship and misrepresenting events surrounding Kim Sae Ron’s tragic passing.

Compounded by these allegations, the family has expressed outrage over claims that Kim Sae Ron was pressured to repay a substantial sum of 700 million KRW during a time of mourning. In a swift response, they have announced their intention to pursue legal action against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho for disseminating what they believe to be falsehoods and disrespectful remarks during their grieving process.

Adding to the brewing controversy, Garosero alleged that Kim Soo Hyun had attempted to reach out privately to negotiate a resolution with Kim Sae Ron’s family. This move has been perceived by the family as an infringement on their dignity, particularly after they reportedly declined his offer for a private conversation with Kim Sae Ron’s father.

In light of the controversy, Gold Medalist confirmed the existence of the controversial photos taken in December 2019 and maintained that Kim Soo Hyun’s romantic involvement with Kim Sae Ron occurred when both parties were adults and lasted from mid-2019 to late 2020. This acknowledgment contradicts the family's timeline, who argue that the relationship began while Kim Sae Ron was merely 15 years old and Kim Soo Hyun was 27.

In an effort to mitigate the backlash, Gold Medalist has offered to meet privately with Kim Sae Ron’s mother, expressing hope for a dialogue that aims to clarify misunderstandings and mitigate public debate over sensitive matters.

This incident underscores the fragile relationship between an artist's public image and private life, proving once again that the entertainment industry in South Korea is rife with intricate personal dynamics. As this story continues to unfold, fans are left questioning the impact of such revelations on Kim Soo Hyun's career and the legacy of Kim Sae Ron.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation – you won't want to miss how this story evolves!