In March 2025, the scandal involving actor Kim Soo Hyun erupted, sending shockwaves across the world. Kim Soo Hyun is one of the most renowned actors in Korean entertainment, having starred in hit series like My Love From The Star, Queen of Tears, Dream High, and It's Okay Not To Be Okay. However, the actor faced widespread criticism when a YouTube channel called Garosero Institute claimed that he had been dating actress Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor.
Garosero alleged that the two had been in a relationship for approximately six years. If true, Kim Sae Ron would have been around 14 or 15 years old when their relationship began. This claim sparked a storm on social media, with netizens calling Kim Soo Hyun a gumbug, a manipulator, and a pedophile.
But now, several months later, new evidence has emerged in the case that could turn the entire story upside down. According to reports, the Garosero Institute itself has been accused of pressuring several advertising companies and forcing some individuals to become false witnesses. This means that the evidence used to defame Kim Soo Hyun in this case is itself proving to be questionable.
Most importantly, the New Jersey attack that was cited—in which it was claimed that Kim Soo Hyun orchestrated the attack on the whistleblower—has been proven to be completely fabricated. An investigation revealed that the photos and videos that were claimed as “evidence” were actually digital images created using AI. The Korean Consulate in the United States has confirmed this.
Meanwhile, the Gangnam police in Seoul were swamped with hundreds of cases related to the case, delaying the investigation. Several reports also stated that some members of the Garosero Institute were connected to political figures, and therefore were acting overtly in this case.
A former colleague at Kim Soo Hyun's former agency, Gold Medalist, stated that he was also interviewed by the media, but it is unclear whether the interview was related to this case. However, the investigation is now progressing rapidly.
Kim Soo Hyun's lawyer also raised the issue at the National Assembly Audit, stating that such cybercriminals and false channels are ruining people's careers and lives. He added that tarnishing someone's reputation without first investigating the truth is a serious crime. On the other hand, the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron was recently seen at an animal service center. Her alleged fake aunt was also present there.
