Kim, 37 years old, is one of South Korea's most popular actors, known for his roles in hit TV dramas like "My Love from the Star.” Kim Sae-ron, who gained fame as a child star in the 2010 crime noir "The Man from Nowhere," later struggled to maintain her career.
Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, stated that it will address the allegations in the coming days. "We will make a statement next week based on clear evidence to correct the facts and respond to baseless rumors," the agency said.
The rumors, which Kim's agency described as "baseless," stem from claims made by the YouTube-based South Korean quasi-media outlet Garosero Research Institute on Monday. Citing statements from the actress’s family, the YouTube creator group claimed that Kim had been in a romantic relationship with the late actress for six years, beginning when she was 15 years old.
In South Korea, it is illegal for an adult to engage in a physical relationship with a person under the age of 16.
Kim categorically denied all accusations in a statement on Monday, and his agency vowed to take “the strongest possible legal action” against Garosero Research Institute.
However, on Wednesday, the actress’s bereaved family released letters and photographs they claim Kim sent during their reported relationship. Among the items were two photos in which Kim appears to kiss the actress on the cheek.
The release of the images and handwritten letters sparked widespread public backlash, with online commentators suggesting that Kim’s alleged conduct—if verified—could constitute grooming, a term used to describe the process by which an adult builds trust with a minor in order to manipulate, exploit, or abuse them emotionally, physically, or sexually.
Meanwhile, past remarks from Kim’s agency about Kim Sae-ron have resurfaced online as the family introduced the letters and photographs.
In March 2024, the actress posted a photo on social media in which she and Kim appeared close, cheek-to-cheek in an intimate setting. The post quickly fueled speculation about a possible relationship, prompting Kim’s agency to issue a firm denial.
“We do not know why she posted such a photo online,” the agency said at the time. “The photo has led to unnecessary misunderstandings and unfounded speculation about the actor. Our company will take strong legal action through our legal representatives against any defamatory comments, malicious slander, or insulting posts that harm the actor’s reputation and dignity.”
At the time, the actress’s post was met with harsh criticism online. Having faced significant backlash following a 2022 drunk-driving incident, for which she was fined, she was accused of attempting to revive her faltering career. Some media outlets labeled her an “attention seeker,” while others described her as “unrepentant Kim Sae-ron with self-made marriage rumors” after she shared another cryptic post on Instagram.
Her family alleged that prior to her March 2024 post, the actress had received a legal notice from Kim’s agency demanding repayment of 700 million won (approximately $530,000). The agency had allegedly covered the sum on her behalf following her 2022 DUI incident, during a period when it represented her.
Kim, who founded Gold Medalist, had brought the actress on board. However, after her exclusive contract with the agency expired in 2024, Gold Medalist sent a legal notice demanding repayment. According to the family, the two actors had already ended their relationship by the time of her drunk-driving incident.
The family further alleged that the actress attempted to contact Kim after receiving the notice but, after failing to elicit a response, posted the image online in an effort to reach him.
"She just wanted to know the truth," the actress's aunt said. "She wanted to know if Kim had sent her the notice," she added.
Several fan accounts dedicated to Kim shut down following the release of evidence, with some acknowledging that the proof appeared “clear and concrete.” Brands that had signed the actor as their model have begun distancing themselves, with some quietly removing him from their websites and declining to renew contracts.
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