‘A star with much to lose’: Kim Soo-hyun draws intensified global backlash after press conference
Actor Kim Soo-hyun speaks at a press conference at the Stanford Hotel in Mapo District, Seoul, on March 31 following personal life allegations. Hankook Ilbo
Actor Kim Soo-hyun’s attempt to address mounting personal allegations has sparked an even greater international firestorm, with media outlets and fans across Asia and beyond closely following the fallout.
Following the success of hit dramas like “My Love from the Star” and “Queen of Tears,” Kim has long enjoyed massive popularity across Asia. But his recently held press conference — meant to clarify allegations involving the late actor Kim Sae-ron — has only amplified controversy both at home and abroad.
On March 31, Kim held an emergency press conference at Stanford Hotel in Mapo District, Seoul. He appeared alongside his attorney, Kim Jong-bok of LKB & Partners, and Ahn Sung-soo, CEO of his agency Gold Medalist.
Kim broke his silence nearly three weeks after rumors about his alleged personal relationship with Kim Sae-ron emerged. The major points of contention include allegations that he dated Kim beginning in 2015, when she was 15 years old, for six years; claims that after her drunk driving accident in 2022 and contract expiration with Gold Medalist, a notarized letter demanding repayment was sent to Kim Sae-ron; denials of dating rumors that arose again through her social media activity in 2024.
Kim Sae-ron’s family demanded a public apology, insisting that Kim Soo-hyun acknowledged a relationship with the actor when she was a minor.
The 40-minute press conference largely reiterated statements previously released by his agency. Kim opened with, “I am a coward,” and avoided directly naming the late actor. He again emphasized that they were only in a relationship for a year after she became a legal adult. Kim claimed he had been blackmailed and defamed over his private life, saying, “As a star, I have a lot to lose.” However, this plea did little to sway public opinion. Critics also called it contradictory that Kim asked the bereaved family to submit evidence to authorities while his team had already commissioned a private forensic analysis.
Toward the end of the press conference, Kim’s legal team announced they were filing criminal defamation charges against the bereaved family and a YouTube channel operator, seeking damages amounting to 12 billion won (about $8.8 million).
International media coverage has been swift and uncompromising. Variety wrote that “A-list actor Kim Soo-hyun made an emotional appearance at a press conference,” describing the scandal as a serious blow to his career. The article ranked among the day’s most viewed pieces, reflecting broad international interest.
Reuters, TMZ and the BBC also reported extensively on the case. The BBC noted, “Kim Soo-hyun’s scandal has sent shockwaves through Korean society and the entertainment industry. The revelation has stirred considerable controversy for a top-tier actor in a culture where celebrities' relationships can trigger major public backlash.”
In China, where “My Love from the Star” was a massive hit, over 13 million people tuned in simultaneously to watch Kim’s press conference via livestream. Yet support for him appeared limited. In Japan, online comments criticized Kim’s statement as lacking sincerity, with many saying his tone was disrespectful toward the deceased.
A reporter based in Thailand echoed these sentiments. “It’s hard to believe Kim Soo-hyun. He’s lied too many times,” the reporter told the Hankook Ilbo. “Most Thai fans have stopped supporting him. Public opinion worsened after the press conference. He may be the ‘King of Tears,’ but he doesn’t seem willing to let go easily.”
“Thailand has a much stricter stance on adult-minor relationships than Korea,” the reporter added. “News about Kim Soo-hyun is everywhere here. He’s been hugely popular in Thailand since ‘My Love from the Star,’ so all the major news channels are covering the controversy.”
A truck displaying messages of support from international fans is parked near the Stanford Hotel in Seoul’s Mapo District on March 31, where actor Kim Soo-hyun holds an emergency press conference. Hankook Ilbo
With many countries reacting more sensitively than Korea to allegations of grooming and other crimes involving minors, Kim’s overseas activities may face serious challenges. Still, not all fans have turned their backs.
In front of the press conference venue, a truck sent by fans from Brazil displayed messages of support on LED panels. One read, “Stop spreading false information. Kim Soo-hyun has devoted his life to art and his fans. We support him.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.