SEOUL – In a highly charged press conference held on March 31, South Korean superstar Kim Soo-hyun vehemently denied accusations surrounding his alleged relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who tragically passed away earlier this year. The 37-year-old actor faced the media in a tense atmosphere, where he asserted that he had never dated Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor and clarified his non-involvement in the events leading to her untimely death.

Kim, known for his roles in major K-dramas, entered the Seoul press room with evident tension. "I see myself as a coward," he admitted, reflecting on the pressures of fame. "I’ve always been overly concerned with protecting what I have." He explained that this fear contributed to his prolonged silence on personal matters, echoing the weight of public scrutiny and the responsibility he feels as a high-profile actor.

Despite the rumors, Kim confirmed they dated briefly in 2019 for about a year, following social media speculation sparked by a nostalgic post from Kim Sae-ron. He expressed regret over not being forthcoming about their past relationship, particularly as it coincided with the airing of his current drama, *Queen Of Tears*. "At that time, I worried about the impact of my personal life on my colleagues, the crew, and the ongoing project," he explained.

Dismissing the allegations that he pressured Kim Sae-ron or had any financial influence over her, Kim became emotional, stating, "I am being pressured to confess to things I never did." He vehemently denied claims circulating about him being responsible for her death and the narrative that he had manipulated her due to her age. Kim provided an impassioned defense against claims made by her family, arguing that the evidence presented in the form of KakaoTalk messages was fabricated and presented with improper intentions.

In support of his claims, Kim revealed that a scientific analysis of the KakaoTalk messages had been conducted, confirming that they did not originate from him. He emphasized, "The individual in those conversations is not me," a statement supported by a third-party verification institution.

In a significant legal move, Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, Goldmedalist, have filed a defamation lawsuit against Kim Sae-ron's family and a woman claiming to be related to her, as well as the operator of a controversial YouTube channel making baseless accusations against him. They are seeking around 12 billion won (approximately S$10.9 million) in damages from the Seoul Central District Court.

These allegations surfaced during a time of immense grief for Kim Sae-ron's family and friends, particularly in light of her tragic passing at the age of 24, which was ruled as a suicide. The fallout from her death has led to a flurry of public discussion regarding mental health and the pressures faced by young celebrities in the industry.

Additionally, outside the venue, digital billboards displaying messages of support for Kim Soo-hyun were seen, declaring solidarity against cyberbullying and the power of words. Many voices from around the globe, including enthusiastic fans from Brazil, rallied for his defense, signaling a significant backlash against what they view as unjust claims.

As this story develops, the entertainment industry remains on high alert, watching closely how the fallout from this case unfolds and the implications it may have for those navigating the often-treacherous waters of fame and public opinion. Stay tuned for updates as this dramatic narrative continues to evolve!