Fri Mar 14 07:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Kim Soo-hyun’s Agency Denies Affair with Kim Sae-ron, Addresses Rumours of Financial Involvement

**SEOUL, South Korea** – Kim Soo-hyun’s agency issued a lengthy statement on February 14th, addressing explosive allegations made by South Korean media outlet, “Horizontal and Vertical Research Institute,” claiming a six-year relationship between the actor and actress Kim Sae-ron, beginning when she was underage. The agency attributed the statement to Kim Soo-hyun’s extreme psychological instability due to the intense media scrutiny.

The statement refutes several key claims: It confirms a relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, but states it lasted only from summer 2019 to autumn 2020 – contradicting the media outlet’s assertion of a 2014 start. Photos released by the outlet were reportedly taken during this period, not in 2016 as previously claimed. Letters written by Kim Soo-hyun to Kim Sae-ron during his military service were described as communications to a close acquaintance, not love letters. Finally, the agency clarified that while Kim Soo-hyun’s agency paid 700 million won of Kim Sae-ron’s 1.1 billion won debt incurred after her drunk driving accident, this was a business decision handled through legal channels and not a personal loan. The debt was written off as a bad debt in December 2023.

The initial report ignited public outrage, focusing on the legality of a relationship between an adult and a minor. Legal experts interviewed by Korean media stated that determining legal responsibility requires considering several factors including the ages of those involved, whether a sexual relationship occurred, and any power imbalances. While the Korean Penal Code could potentially charge Kim Soo-hyun with statutory rape if a sexual relationship existed before the May 19, 2020 amendment to the law, experts noted that a simple romantic relationship without sexual contact wouldn’t constitute a crime under current Korean law. The possibility of child abuse charges remains, depending on the details of the relationship.

Concerns arose regarding potential damage to Kim Soo-hyun’s lucrative endorsement deals. While he could face significant penalties if contracts are terminated, legal experts believe it would be difficult for brands to successfully claim damages without concrete evidence of criminal wrongdoing. The agency strongly refutes the allegations.

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