Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team has clarified the timeline of a widely discussed photo involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron, disputing allegations of an underage relationship.
Attorney Ko Sang Rok, who represents Kim in his criminal case, issued a statement on September 30th addressing the controversy. According to Ko, the photo Kim Sae Ron posted and deleted right after during the height of Queen of Tears’ popularity—showing her and Kim Soo Hyun cheek-to-cheek—was taken in late February 2020, when Kim Sae Ron was a sophomore in college, not in 2016 as previously claimed.
Ko added that a draft statement prepared with outside help falsely described the image as having been taken when Kim Sae Ron was still in high school in 2016. That claim, he said, became the sole basis for broader allegations that Kim and the actress had been in a relationship from her middle school years through college.
He noted, “Anyone may offer inaccurate testimony under certain circumstances, and there may have been motives or reasons at that time. But when such statements cause serious harm, they must be treated with utmost caution.” However, he declined to go into further detail about the photo, adding, “In revealing the truth, delving into specifics about the late actress could diminish the spirit of remembrance, so I ask for understanding in not disclosing more.”
Kim Sae Ron passed away in February at the age of 25. Since March, her family has worked with conservative YouTube channel “Hoverlab” to claim she had been in a six-year relationship with Kim Soo Hyun starting in middle school. They later announced a criminal complaint against the actor under child protection laws.
Kim’s side has acknowledged a relationship but maintains it began only between December 2019 and spring 2020, when she was in college, firmly denying any underage involvement. He has since filed both criminal charges and a 12 billion KRW (approx. 8.5 million USD) damages suit against the family and the channel, arguing their evidence is misdated and false.
>> Kim Soo Hyun vs. Late Kim Sae Ron’s Family: Truth Battle Escalates to Forensic Investigation
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