A major scandal has rocked the South Korean entertainment industry as YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Institute' claimed that top actor Kim Soo-hyun had a long-term romantic relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, starting when she was still a minor.
The explosive allegations, which surfaced on January 10, have ignited intense public debate.
Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, GOLDMEDALIST, swiftly denied the accusations and threatened legal action.
However, the controversy deepened when Garo Sero Institute released alleged intimate photos and text message screenshots between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron on January 11.
One of the leaked messages reportedly shows Kim Sae-ron desperately reaching out for help, saying, 'If I have to pay 700 million won immediately, I can't do it.
It's not that I don't want to pay, I just can't.
Do you really have to sue me? Oppa, please help me.
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On January 12, GOLDMEDALIST reiterated its position, stating, 'Our stance remains unchanged,' and dismissed the claims as 'blatant falsehoods.
' The company also announced that they are considering strong legal measures against the spread of misinformation.
As the scandal escalated, Kim Soo-hyun’s business partnerships took a hit.
On the same day, cosmetics brand Dinto, which had Kim as a brand ambassador, announced that all promotional activities involving him would be 'suspended indefinitely.
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This scandal raises serious concerns about the responsibility of media platforms in reporting unverified claims.
From this controversy, a broader question emerges—should digital media be held more accountable for the psychological and professional damage caused by speculative reporting?.