Did Kim Sae Ron Try To End Things With Kim Soo Hyun? Leaked Chats Suggest So: 'It Bothers Me That...'

As the Kim Soo Hyun–Kim Sae Ron controversy intensifies, new messages and alleged photos have surfaced, reigniting debates about privacy, power dynamics, and online accountability. The ongoing controversy surrounding top South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun and the late actress Kim Sae Ron has taken a darker turn. What began as a sensational YouTube exposé has now evolved into a full-blown legal battle, as Kim Soo Hyun and his legal team push back against allegations that he had a romantic relationship with Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor.

At the heart of the controversy is a claim made by YouTube channel Garosero Institute (commonly referred to as Gaseyeon), which alleged that Kim and Sae Ron dated in 2017 and 2018—well before she turned 20, the legal age of adulthood in South Korea. During a recent press conference, Kim Soo Hyun and his lawyers from LKB & Partners presented a counter-narrative, stating that the widely circulated photos used as “evidence" were all from 2019, a time when Sae Ron was already legally an adult. They maintained that the two were never romantically involved, insisting that the claims were fabricated and defamatory.



However, Garosero immediately dismissed the actor’s defense and retaliated with what it claimed to be “undeniable proof." During a live broadcast on April 2, the channel released new photos, private chat logs, and even claimed to have obtained Kim Sae Ron’s electronic devices—including her mobile phones, tablets, and laptops—which they say are currently undergoing forensic analysis. One of the most controversial pieces of evidence shared by Garosero was a text message allegedly sent by Kim Sae Ron to Kim Soo Hyun on April 13, 2018, at 2 AM.

In the emotional message, she reportedly wrote, “Oppa, when you miss me and need me, you keep in touch with me without a problem, but when I need you, you’re always MIA. It bothers me that I can’t get in contact with you, and it’s inconvenient. If you don’t put in the effort, then I’m not seeing you anymore.

" Garosero’s Kim Se Ui argued that this kind of emotionally charged language indicated a romantic relationship, not a casual or professional connection. He also highlighted the irregularities in Kim Soo Hyun’s response times, stating that the pattern of ghosting and emotional pleas pointed to a deeper, personal bond between the two. More significantly, Kim Se Ui unveiled what he described as the most damning piece of evidence: a photo allegedly taken by Kim Sae Ron in September 2017.

The metadata of the image, he claims, confirms it was taken on September 20, 2017—when Sae Ron was only in 10th grade. “What is your excuse?" he questioned during the broadcast. “This is your picture, taken in 2017, and you know who took it.

" Another photo, allegedly a selfie of Kim Soo Hyun taken in April 2017, was also cited. “Isn’t this your house, where you had the spicy chicken stew? Kim Sae Ron was only 16 then," Se Ui added. In response, Kim Soo Hyun’s team has filed a new round of lawsuits—this time accusing Kim Se Ui of stalking and defamation.

According to a statement released by LKB & Partners, the channel has targeted the actor daily since March 10, spreading unverified claims and broadcasting sensitive content, “The channel has aired daily content about Kim Soo Hyun—excluding just one day—spreading false information about the actor. Further, Gaseyeon has indiscriminately disseminated photos and videos showing Kim Soo Hyun’s face and body, as well as private letters and messages, via its YouTube channel. In light of this, the only path to halting Gaseyeon’s cyber-wrecking activities lies in a thorough investigation and stern legal consequences.

" The firm emphasized that Kim Soo Hyun has not only been subjected to baseless character attacks but also constant digital harassment. They warned that the legal proceedings could expand to include any parties found to be in violation of privacy laws or involved in the alleged cyber defamation. This case continues to ignite intense debate online, with public opinion sharply divided.

While some believe Kim Soo Hyun is the victim of a targeted smear campaign, others argue that the mounting “evidence" warrants a more serious inquiry. Meanwhile, the legal system is now tasked with sifting through the increasingly complex web of claims, digital records, and public scrutiny surrounding one of South Korea’s most revered actors. As the investigation unfolds, one thing remains certain—this isn’t just a battle over reputation, but a landmark case that could shape how celebrity privacy, digital leaks, and online accountability are addressed in South Korea moving forward.

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