As more details were revealed on the allegation that Korean star Kim Soo-hyun dated the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was minor, fans have asked the actor to come forward and personally state his position.
Kim Sae-ron’s family believed that Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. The actress wrote a statement last year stating that her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun lasted from 2015 to 2021.
Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron (Screenshots from HoverLab videos on YouTube)
Gold Medalist, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, admitted that the actor dated Kim Sae-ron but said it was from 2019 to 2020 after she became an adult.
YouTube channel HoverLab (Garosero Research Institute) revealed text messages between the two stars, suggesting that they were dating at a time when she was a minor.
Kim Soo-hyun is also accused of grooming, defined as “when a person builds a relationship with a child, young person or an adult who's at risk so they can abuse them and manipulate them into doing things,” according to the UK Metropolitan Police website.
Last March 28, the YouTube channel released Messenger chats purportedly between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron. One Messenger chat in 2018 showed Kim Soo-hyun telling the actress “I want to see you right now,” Korean media reported.
Kim Soo-hyun’s side has yet to make any more statements.
One Korean media reported that Kim Soo-hyun’s fans on the Korean community website DC Inside issued a statement, asking him to reveal his position.
"Amid the recent controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun, fans are not taking this situation lightly and are expressing their stance that a cautious attitude and responsible explanation are necessary," the fans said.
The statement added, “As specific materials such as messages and photos are being released and parts that conflict with his previous stance are confirmed, the public's confusion and concern are growing. That is why we sincerely hope that he will personally come forward to the public, sort out the facts, and clearly state his position at this point."
Last March 26, the DC Inside Gallery posted a joint statement, saying "We will continue to cheer and support actor Kim Soo-hyun."