The case began last May when the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron filed a lawsuit against Kim Soo Hyun, alleging violations of the Child Protection Act. The family claims that Kim Soo Hyun had a romantic relationship with Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor, and that the late actress was subjected to sexual and mental abuse, including allegations of seduction.

At the time, the family stated, “Kim Soo Hyun forced Kim Sae Ron to participate in obscene acts and sexual abuse, including sexual harassment, starting during the winter break of her second year of junior high school (8th grade), when she was still a minor .” Kim Se Ui, the head of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, also filed a countersuit against Kim Soo Hyun for defamation, after Kim Soo Hyun sued him for libel.

Lawyer Ko Sang Rok, Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representative, explained that under South Korea’s Child Welfare Act, “child” is defined as someone under 18 years of age. He stated that the investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the alleged relationship and abuse, including the period before Kim Sae Ron turned 18, during her senior year of high school (grade 12), when she was 19 years old according to Korean age. He emphasized, “The investigation is not limited to certain periods in the deceased’s childhood ,” adding that the allegations were considered comprehensively, including the period around her senior year of high school, a time often considered adolescence.

Since March last year, Kim Se Ui has been making accusations about a relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and the late actress Kim Sae Ron through livestreams on YouTube and other platforms. Kim Se Ui also held a press conference to release audio recordings and text messages allegedly between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron.

However, investigators determined that the audio recordings had been manipulated using artificial intelligence, and the alleged text messages between the two had also been fabricated. Kim Se Ui was arrested in May 2026 on charges including disseminating false information and was indicted in June. Kim Se Ui’s first trial, scheduled for August 14, was postponed after he requested a trial in which the plaintiffs were present.

After being exonerated, Kim Soo Hyun quickly returned to the entertainment industry, his first activity being a photoshoot for the Philippine fashion brand BENCH. On August 23rd, Kim Soo Hyun traveled to Jakarta, Indonesia, to attend the live broadcast of Mahakarya RCTI 37, celebrating the 37th anniversary of RCTI television station. The actor will continue to participate in year-end awards ceremonies such as The Fact Music Awards and the Asia Artist Awards. However, Kim Soo Hyun’s return has sparked mixed reactions and controversy among the public.

Source: Starnews