Wed Mar 12 06:10:00 UTC 2025: ## K-Drama Star Kim Soo-hyun Accused of Exploiting Teenage Girlfriend, Kim Sae-ron

**SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA** – A bombshell revelation has rocked the Korean entertainment industry, alleging a six-year relationship between A-list actor Kim Soo-hyun and late actress Kim Sae-ron, beginning when she was underage. According to online posts, the relationship started in November 2015, when Kim Sae-ron was just 15 (16 in Korean age reckoning) and Kim Soo-hyun was 27 (28 in Korean age reckoning). This was below the legal age of consent in South Korea at the time (13). While the age of consent was raised to 15 in 2020 following the Nth Room case, the allegations have sparked outrage due to the significant age gap and the legal ramifications of their relationship in 2015.

The posts detail a pattern of alleged exploitation. Kim Sae-ron’s style and career reportedly changed drastically after beginning the relationship, with a rapid ascent in her career followed by a decline after she signed with Kim Soo-hyun’s agency in 2019. Claims suggest the agency used Kim Sae-ron to boost its profile but provided little in return, leaving her financially burdened and creatively stifled. Their relationship ended in July 2021, just before Kim Sae-ron’s 21st birthday.

Further allegations emerged regarding Kim Soo-hyun’s handling of Kim Sae-ron’s subsequent DUI incident. He allegedly prevented her from participating in the investigation and paid off her 700 million won (approximately $530,000 USD) in damages. However, when Kim Sae-ron attempted to renegotiate her contract with his agency in late 2022, he allegedly leaked her new phone number to reporters, leading to further media scrutiny. She later alluded to the relationship by posting a picture of herself with Kim Soo-hyun, further fueling public anger. The actress reportedly also faced harassment and ultimately withdrew from a theatrical production citing health concerns.

The timing of Kim Soo-hyun’s appearance on the variety show “Good Day” just three days after Kim Sae-ron’s death has added to the controversy. His seemingly unaffected demeanor has been criticized as insensitive by some online users.

The allegations against Kim Soo-hyun are currently unverified, and he has yet to publicly address the claims. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about power imbalances and exploitation within the Korean entertainment industry. This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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