
South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun is currently facing significant public backlash following allegations of a past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron. These claims have not only impacted his personal reputation but have also led to calls for companies to reconsider their associations with him.
Allegations and Public Response
The controversy began when Kim Sae Ron’s aunt alleged that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron were in a six-year relationship starting in 2014, when Kim Sae Ron was 15 years old. She further claimed that Kim Soo Hyun distanced himself from Kim Sae Ron following her DUI incident in 2022, which purportedly contributed to her financial and emotional distress leading up to her death in February 2025.
In response, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has firmly denied these allegations, labeling them as “completely unfounded” and expressing intentions to pursue legal action against those spreading false information.
The allegations have sparked a significant public outcry, with many fans expressing feelings of betrayal. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments urging brands to sever ties with Kim Soo Hyun. One user stated, “If companies don’t drop Kim Soo Hyun as a model, I’m boycotting and refusing to buy from them,” while another commented, “They always say financial sector models are chosen for their trustworthy and likable image… but wow, what a complete betrayal.”
As of now, there have been no official statements from the brands endorsed by Kim Soo Hyun regarding the controversy. The situation remains fluid, with companies likely assessing the potential impact on their brand image before making any public decisions.