Timeline of Recent Events
- March 10, 2025: A YouTube exposé alleges that Kim Soo-hyun had a six-year relationship with actress Kim Sae-ron starting when she was 15. The video sparks widespread controversy and public backlash.
- March 20, 2025: Reports emerge that Kim Soo-hyun’s scheduled appearance at Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival is at risk of cancellation due to the scandal. Organizers reconsider his participation amidst mounting criticism.
- March 25, 2025: Disney+ confirms that filming for Kim Soo-hyun’s upcoming drama “Knock-Off” continues despite the controversy. However, netizens demand the project’s cancellation.
- March 29, 2025: Kim Soo-hyun faces backlash as brands like Prada and Dinto Cosmetics terminate advertising contracts with him following the allegations.
- March 31, 2025: Kim Soo-hyun holds an emotionally charged press conference in Seoul to address the allegations. He denies dating Kim Sae-ron while she was underage and refutes claims that his agency pressured her over debts. Legal action is announced against the YouTube channel HoverLab and Sae-ron’s family.
- April 1, 2025: Public criticism intensifies over Kim Soo-hyun’s press conference response, with some accusing him of being self-centered in his statements.
- April 2025: The first part of Kim Soo-hyun’s drama “Knock-Off” is set to premiere this month despite ongoing controversy. The series explores the world of counterfeit goods during South Korea’s post-IMF crisis era.
Key Highlights
The fallout from the allegations has significantly impacted Kim Soo-hyun’s career, jeopardizing his brand endorsements and future projects. Despite this, he remains committed to his professional obligations, including starring in “Knock-Off” and releasing his 2025 season greeting merchandise for fans.