Kim Soo-hyun Denies Dating Rumors with Late Kim Sae-ron, Demands Evidence Disclosure

Kim Soo-hyun's representatives have once again denied rumors of a past relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron. They have called on YouTube channel 가로세로연구소(@HOVERLAB2018)'s CEO Kim Se-eui, Kim Sae-ron's family, and their legal representative, attorney Bu Ji-seok, to disclose the evidence behind their claims.

On the 27th, attorney Kho Sang-rock from the law firm Pil, representing Kim Soo-hyun, uploaded a video titled 'Official Position on the HoverLab Incident — Fabricated Evidence, Distorted Truth' on his YouTube channel. On the same day, an official statement was released, urging, "We hope they clearly present the basis for concluding that the person in the KakaoTalk conversations from June 2016 and April 13, 2018, is actor Kim Soo-hyun."

The KakaoTalk conversations mentioned by attorney Kho were previously presented by HoverLab (hereafter referred to as HoverLab) as evidence, claiming that "Kim Soo-hyun was Kim Sae-ron's partner during her minor years." The messages in the photos included phrases like "I'll come to you since you're tired," "I'll wait without sleeping," and "I miss you," sent to Kim Sae-ron, who was filming the JTBC drama 'Secret Healer' at the time.

Attorney Kho countered, "At that time, actor Kim Soo-hyun was the sole lead in the movie 'Real,' and was in the final stages of filming. On June 22, he was filming action scenes all day from 8 AM to 8 PM at the Incheon set. It was physically impossible for him to meet someone or make appointments outside the Incheon filming location in the morning, afternoon, or evening."

He further stated, "The five days of KakaoTalk conversations released by Kim Se-eui do not contain any expressions that could infer the identity of the male involved. The complete removal of clues that could hint at the male's identity strongly suggests that Kim Se-eui and the family intentionally edited and manipulated these parts."

Finally, attorney Kho said, "It is known that the original 2016 KakaoTalk has not been submitted to investigative agencies. The truth of this case should start with verifying the original 2016 KakaoTalk and the manipulation process." He added, "Kim Se-eui and the family maliciously fabricated evidence and falsified facts. This is a highly malicious and organized character assassination, and simultaneously a national fraud crime against the entire public."

Currently, Kim Soo-hyun is facing allegations of having dated Kim Sae-ron for six years since she was a minor. Initially denying the romance, Kim Soo-hyun later stated, "We dated after she became an adult." However, controversy arose when letters Kim Soo-hyun sent to Kim Sae-ron during his military service were revealed by HoverLab. Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, Kim Soo-hyun's birthday.

In response, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, GoldMedalist, announced, "We are considering the strongest possible legal action against the spread of false information." At a press conference held on March 31, Kim Soo-hyun tearfully stated, "I did not date the deceased when she was a minor. It is also untrue that my neglect or the agency's pressure on her debts led to her tragic choice."

Reporter Jung Se-yoon, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr