The Tragic Story of Kim Sae Ron
The Tragic Story of Kim Sae Ron has sent shockwaves through the South Korean entertainment industry. Shocking allegations involving the late actress and top actor Kim Soo Hyun have surfaced, including claims of an underage relationship and a multi-billion-won financial dispute. The scandal has left fans questioning the hidden realities behind the glitz and glamour of the K-drama world.
Did Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun Have a Secret Relationship?
The controversy erupted when a woman claiming to be Kim Sae Ron’s aunt gave an exclusive interview to HoverLab Inc. on YouTube. She alleged that Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun had been in a romantic relationship since 2015, when Kim Sae Ron was only 15 years old, while Kim Soo Hyun was 27. She said the two secretly dated for six years before parting ways in 2021.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, these claims have sparked heated discussions, with many questioning the power dynamics between senior and junior actors in the entertainment industry.
The Shocking 20 Billion KRW Fine: What Happened?
The situation escalated further when Kim Sae Ron’s aunt accused GOLDMEDALIST, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, of imposing a 20 billion KRW (approximately $15 million) fine on Kim Sae Ron. This fine was allegedly related to multiple issues, including her 2022 DUI (Driving Under the Influence) case.
Kim Sae Ron’s Role in GOLDMEDALIST
To understand how this situation unfolded, revisiting Kim Sae Ron’s career transition is important. After leaving YG Entertainment, she joined GOLDMEDALIST, a company founded in 2019 by Kim Soo Hyun, his cousin Lee Sarang, and Kim Mi Hye. According to her aunt, Kim Sae Ron played a crucial role in mentoring younger artists and helping establish the agency—yet she was reportedly underpaid for her efforts.
The DUI Incident That Changed Everything
On May 18, 2022, Kim Sae Ron made headlines for drunkenly crashing her car into an electrical transformer, which caused power outages in 57 locations in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. The incident led to severe public backlash and derailed her once-promising career.
Initially, GOLDMEDALIST stepped in to cover the 700 million KRW (approximately $525,000) in damages. However, things took a dark turn when the agency demanded reimbursement and, according to the aunt, suddenly inflated the amount to an astonishing 20 billion KRW.
When Kim Sae Ron’s family requested a breakdown of the charges, the agency allegedly cut off communication and began issuing legal notices instead.
Was Kim Soo Hyun Silent During Kim Sae Ron’s Struggles?
Kim Sae Ron’s aunt also claimed that she repeatedly tried to contact Kim Soo Hyun for help, but he ignored her calls and messages. Even when she attempted to reach him through a relative’s phone, he did not respond.
Additionally, the aunt accused Kim Soo Hyun of leaking Kim Sae Ron’s private phone number to the media, which resulted in an onslaught of harassment from journalists.
Kim Sae Ron’s Tragic Downward Spiral
The financial and emotional pressure took a severe toll on Kim Sae Ron’s mental health. Struggling to find work, she reportedly took on part-time jobs, including:
- Working at a café
- Offering private acting lessons
Despite her efforts to rebuild her life, the weight of the controversy became too much to bear. On February 16, 2025, Kim Sae Ron was found dead in her apartment in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. Authorities ruled her death as suicide.
Her passing was particularly shocking as it coincided with Kim Soo Hyun’s 37th birthday. Notably, Kim Soo Hyun did not attend her funeral, and the official statement from GOLDMEDALIST following her death was widely criticized for its cold and detached tone.
Resurfacing Questions: What Did Kim Soo Hyun Say in 2013?
As the scandal continues to unfold, past statements made by Kim Soo Hyun have resurfaced. In a 2013 interview, he stated that he might marry a 21-year-old when he turns 41—an eerie coincidence, considering Kim Sae Ron was born in 2000.
What’s Next?
With Kim Sae Ron’s family vowing to release more evidence regarding:
- Her alleged relationship with Kim Soo Hyun
- The financial dispute with GOLDMEDALIST
This scandal is far from over. The South Korean entertainment industry is now facing tough questions about the treatment of young actors, power imbalances, and the pressures of fame.