Kim Soo Hyun’s Career in Turmoil Following Controversy with Kim Sae Ron

Kim So Hyun (Doc. Spcial)

Wartagate.com - Over the past week, Kim Soo Hyun has dominated headlines in South Korea—not for his outstanding performances or record-breaking ratings, but due to a shocking controversy that has shaken his career.

Known for his impeccable reputation, Kim Soo Hyun has rarely been involved in scandals. Since his rise to fame through Dream High (2011) and his meteoric success with The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), he has built an image of charm and warmth that has lasted over a decade. His film career has been equally impressive, with hits like The Thieves (2012) and Secretly, Greatly (2013).

Most recently, his role as Baek Hyun Woo in Queen of Tears (2024) solidified his status as one of Korea’s top actors. His ability to seamlessly blend comedy and drama captivated audiences. 

Even when the late Kim Sae Ron posted a cozy picture with him during the show’s airing, his public support remained unwavering.

However, a year later, that very photo has resurfaced as part of a much larger scandal. The controversy reignited following the tragic passing of Kim Sae Ron on February 16, 2025. 

Her family has since come forward with allegations that paint a different picture of her relationship with Kim Soo Hyun—one that was previously denied by his agency, Gold Medalist.

Kim Sae Ron’s family made their claims public through HoverLab Inc., a right-wing YouTube channel, on March 11, 2025. They alleged that Kim Soo Hyun had dated Kim Sae Ron when she was still a minor, contradicting past statements from his agency.

Further controversy erupted as love letters and intimate photos were released, adding fuel to the fire.

 The scandal escalated with accusations that Kim Soo Hyun had been involved in Gold Medalist’s demand for financial compensation from Kim Sae Ron—reportedly 700 million KRW—following her DUI incident in 2022.

The agency argued that her scandal had caused financial losses. However, at the time, Kim Sae Ron’s career was already in decline, leaving her without stable income. Desperate, she allegedly reached out to Kim Soo Hyun for help, only to be ignored.

On February 16, 2025, Kim Sae Ron was found deceased—a tragic turn of events that ignited further backlash against Kim Soo Hyun.

The controversy has severely impacted Kim Soo Hyun’s public image. The outrage, which once targeted Kim Sae Ron during her DUI scandal, has now shifted entirely toward him. The repercussions have been swift:

Prada terminated its contract with him on March 14, 2025.

His appearance on Good Day, a variety show hosted by G-Dragon on MBC, has faced immense backlash.

Viewers demanded his scenes be removed, forcing producers to edit out as much footage as possible.

Despite his decade-long dominance in the industry, Kim Soo Hyun now faces one of the biggest crises of his career. With his endorsements crumbling and public opinion turning against him, the future of his once-flourishing career remains uncertain.