Kim Soo Hyun Faces Backlash Over Emotional Response to Kim Sae Ron’s Tragic Passing

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun has become the focus of intense public scrutiny following an emotional press conference regarding the tragic passing of his ex-girlfriend, Kim Sae Ron, who died on February 16, 2025.

During the event, the visibly distressed actor addressed rumors about their past relationship, firmly denying accusations that he dated Kim Sae Ron while she was a minor.

However, his emotional display faced significant backlash, with netizens accusing him of faking his tears.

Kim Soo Hyun Denies Relationship During Kim Sae Ron’s Minor Years

During the press conference, Kim Soo Hyun acknowledged dating Kim Sae Ron but strongly refuted claims that their relationship occurred while she was underage.

“I did not date Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor,” he stated. He clarified that their relationship took place five years ago, well before the release of his hit drama Queen of Tears.

Despite his emotional plea for privacy, many netizens remained skeptical of his sincerity.

Social Media Reacts With Skepticism

Kim Soo Hyun’s emotional breakdown quickly became a major discussion point on social media.

Many users mocked his display, with one commenting, “Bro thinks this is Queen of Tears Season 2, or what? Do we look dumb enough to believe his fake tears?” Another sarcastically posted, “The Oscar goes to Kim Soo Hyun!”

Some netizens also questioned his past denial of their relationship, implying ulterior motives behind his statements.

“Not #KimSooHyun crying in public, asking for mercy while denying all accusations exactly as expected,” one user remarked. Others speculated that his speech was rehearsed, pointing out how he continuously looked down, seemingly reading from a script.

Fans Show Support for Kim Soo Hyun

Despite the widespread criticism, some fans came to Kim Soo Hyun’s defense, expressing sympathy for him amid the harsh backlash. One supporter wrote, “I hope you don’t feel sorry for him only after he ends his life, like you did with Kim Sae Ron!”

Another defended his decision to stay silent initially, stating, “People criticize him for speaking, but also for staying silent—there’s no winning here.”

Kim Soo Hyun explained that he refrained from publicly acknowledging his relationship with Kim Sae Ron earlier due to concerns about its potential impact on Queen of Tears and its cast and crew.

“As the lead actor, I couldn’t confirm the relationship publicly because of its potential impact on the drama’s production,” he said.

The actor also denied allegations that his agency pressured Kim Sae Ron over financial matters, saying, “We were simply an ordinary couple who broke up over time. There were no debts or pressure from my agency.”

Divided Public Opinion

Despite Kim Soo Hyun’s attempts to clarify the situation, public sentiment remains divided. While some believe his explanation, others remain unconvinced, continuing to question the authenticity of his emotional display.

The ongoing controversy highlights the challenges celebrities face when their private lives become the subject of intense public debate.

Kim Soo Hyun Apologizes Publicly

At the press conference, Kim Soo Hyun apologized to his fans, the late actress, and her family. “I’m sorry. It seems that too many people are suffering because of me alone. And I feel heartbroken because even the deceased may not be able to rest in peace,” he said.

He admitted that his fears and desire to protect his career led him to avoid addressing the matter earlier.

“I think of myself as a coward. I was always too focused on protecting what I had. I couldn’t even trust the kindness I received and was always afraid of losing something or getting hurt. I was busy running away and denying things out of fear. That’s why it took me a long time to stand here today,” he confessed.

Denial of Grooming Allegations

Kim Soo Hyun strongly denied allegations that he groomed Kim Sae Ron or played a role in her tragic passing.

“Now, I will address the part you are most curious about. I did not date the deceased when she was a minor. And it is not true that she made a tragic choice because I turned my back on her or because my agency pressured her over her debts,” he stated.

He further emphasized that the late actress’s family had accused him unfairly. “Now, the deceased’s family is claiming that because I was her ex-boyfriend, I drove her to her death. They are demanding that I confess to something I didn’t do. They say: ‘You manipulated her since she was a minor. You pressured her financially and caused her death.’”

Kim Soo Hyun Accepts Criticism But Stands By His Truth

The actor expressed his willingness to take responsibility for any mistakes he may have made but refused to admit to things he did not do.

“I am willing to admit to any wrongdoing on my part. If there is something I must take responsibility for, I believe it is only right to do so. But I cannot admit to things I did not do. If people call my choice cowardly or selfish, I will accept that criticism without hesitation. And to everyone who has cared for me, I sincerely apologize.”

Press Conference Fails to Quell Controversy

Despite his efforts to clear his name, Kim Soo Hyun’s press conference only intensified the backlash. Critics took to social media, accusing him of being overly rehearsed and scripted.

Many pointed out that he frequently looked down while speaking, suggesting he was reading from a prepared statement.

One fan wrote, “If you are wondering why Kim Soo Hyun is looking down in his press conference, it’s because he was reading his statement from a script. A true actor’s spirit.”

Others harshly criticized his handling of the situation. “Y’all don’t understand what a wicked, disgusting man Kim Soo Hyun is. Just in this press conference, he: 1) brought up the victim’s DUI case, 2) made that grooming look like it was consensual, 3) blamed the victim herself, and 4) is suing the victim’s family,” one post alleged.