In June 2018, a photo of Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron caused controversy on the Internet. Some netizens claimed it was a sneaky late-night soju date, claiming the actor was hanging out with a minor in an inappropriate setting. Fueling the drama, YouTube channel Garosero Institute released photos and videos, insisting they had proof that the pair’s relationship crossed serious lines.
2018 video where kim soo hyun is eating at saeron's house.
If you look at the video and match the pictures of his military time it's actually 2018-19 and yet this man has the audacity to lie and deny the relationship continuously… kim saeron was indeed minor at that time. pic.twitter.com/nTOHaT1old
— kdramareads (@geewonniiiiily) March 31, 2025
Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team, LKB & Partners, wasted no time in shutting down these claims. According to their statement, the photo in question was taken at his family’s home in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, during his break from mandatory military service. They clarified that the actor’s relatives were present throughout this moment, making it impossible for inappropriate things to occur. The legal team also emphasized that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron were not dating at the time the late actress was a minor and that they only maintained a friendly relationship.
These clarifications aimed to silence online chatter and protect Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation, which was put on the line by the YouTube Channel Garosero Institute. They allege that the actor had drunk soju with Kim Sae Ron as a minor.
