The recent controversy surrounding South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron has intensified following the online leak of an intimate photograph. The image, which appears to show Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron on the cheek, has ignited widespread outrage among netizens. The timing of this leak, shortly after Kim Sae-ron’s tragic passing, has further fueled the backlash, with some social media users accusing Kim Soo-hyun of inappropriate behavior, while others argue that the photo is being misinterpreted.

The controversy deepened when the Garo Sero Research Institute, a YouTube channel known for exposing celebrity scandals, threatened to release additional compromising photos and videos if Kim Soo-hyun does not issue a public apology. They claim that the relationship between the two actors began when Kim Sae-ron was a minor, alleging a six-year romantic involvement starting when she was 15 years old.

In response to these allegations, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has firmly denied the claims, labeling them as “baseless” and stating their intention to pursue legal action against those spreading such rumors.

The situation has also brought to light past issues involving Kim Sae-ron, including her struggles following a DUI incident in 2022 and alleged financial disputes with her agency. Reports suggest that she faced significant financial and emotional stress leading up to her untimely death.

This unfolding scandal has sparked a broader conversation about the pressures faced by public figures in South Korea, the responsibilities of their management agencies, and the role of media in reporting such sensitive matters.