Kim Soo Hyun’s scandal dominated Korean news sites for some time. After his emotional press conference where he claimed to be innocent of allegations of being a pedophile and groomer, the heated media frenzy started to simmer down. However, news and deep dives into Kim Soo Hyun’s family history and troubled past have piqued interest from fans.
Kim Soo Hyun’s mother was allegedly working at bars and nightclubs in the entertainment industry. Due to Kim Soo Hyun’s early exposure to nightlife and constantly being surrounded by older men and women, it was suggested in various online video rumors that these events triggered his irrational behavior and obsession with younger girls. Netizens commented saying, “Even though it is a rumor, it seems some people can understand Kim Soo Hyun’s side after hearing this,” “His family is a mess, he must have extreme emotional damage,” and “He really comes from a broken family.”
During that time, Kim Soo Hyun’s mother even had a baby out of wedlock while working as a hostess. The baby, named Lee Love, couldn’t even be properly registered in the family registry and is believed to be the half-brother of Kim Soo Hyun, despite being known publicly as his cousin.
As more stories about the film Real continue to emerge, past stories within the industry that suggested Kim Soo Hyun’s cousin might actually be his half-brother and the messy family relation have resurfaced. Stories of their involvement and work in the media industry gained traction, and Gold Medalist co-produced many of Kim Soo Hyun’s projects- mainly his flops. Yet, Queen of Tears was met with so much success, and significant credit was given to Lee Love. Thu,s fans questioned why Kim Soo Hyun’s cousin was listed as a production advisor in Queen of Tears.
Rumors regarding Kim Soo Hyun’s father became a hot topic as well, and netizens claimed Kim Soo Hyun’s toxic upbringing and parents’ behavior are to blame for his current circumstances. Kim’s father, Kim Chung Hoon, a former lead vocalist of the famous 80s rock band Seven Dolphins, had divorced Kim Soo Hyun’s mother and started a new family.
In the past, Kim Chung Hoon himself shared in a 2019 interview how he regrets not being there for his son during a crucial time due to his band commitments. “Soo Hyun needed surgery. It wasn’t a major operation, so I didn’t think much of it, but it turned out to be quite a significant operation. I had obligations with my band, and unfortunately, I didn’t go.” It raised suspicions that his family may have been neglectful and didn’t provide the support or attention a child would need.
Netizens began commenting on the impact a family environment has on one’s growth and noted that Kim Soo Hyun single-handedly supports not only his immediate family but even his father’s new family.
Kim Chung Hoon even had a private wedding under the radar while Kim Soo Hyun was promoting Queen of Tears. Despite talks of them having a solid relationship together, Kim Soo Hyun did not attend the wedding. Out of respect for his mother, he always claimed to be an only child and did not acknowledge his relationship with his half sister, Kim Joo Na, until she gained media attention after starring in Produce 101.
From his complicated family relationships to rumors and secrets, Kim Soo Hyun’s private life seems less elegant and more tragic than people expected. Now netizens wonder if Kim Soo Hyun deserves sympathy regarding his current scandal. What do you think of the stories from Kim Soo Hyun’s troubled past?
