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The controversy surrounding the Kim Soo Hyun–Kim Sae Ron dating rumors has intensified with the emergence of a public petition aiming to revise South Korea’s current statutory sexual crime laws. Dubbed the “Kim Soo Hyun Prevention Act,” the proposal was sparked by allegations—unverified and widely disputed—that the actor had a relationship with Kim Sae Ron when she was underage. The naming of the bill after Kim Soo Hyun prompted swift criticism and concerns over the reputational harm it could cause, leading authorities to step in.
On July 7, Korean media outlet SBS Entertainment News reported that the Korea Press Ethics Commission issued a formal warning to 25 news agencies. These outlets were reprimanded for using Kim Soo Hyun’s name in headlines and reports covering the petition. The commission cited violations of Article 10 (concerning ethical headline writing) and Article 11 (regarding respect for personal honor) of the press ethics code. Officials stressed that associating Kim Soo Hyun’s name with unverified claims risked portraying him as a criminal without evidence, which could result in serious emotional, mental, and reputational harm to him and those around him.
One specific example cited by the commission involved a headline that stated, “Kim Soo Hyun’s grooming sexual crime against Kim Sae Ron, who was a minor, was revealed and angered the public.” Such phrasing, according to the commission, not only lacks verification but also promotes one-sided narratives that mislead the public and infringe upon the subject’s rights.
The commission further emphasized the importance of journalistic responsibility, urging media to avoid repeating unconfirmed claims or adopting language that may imply guilt. It underscored that even the petition’s use of the actor’s name in its title was problematic, particularly when public opinion could be swayed by sensational or emotionally charged reporting.
This incident has sparked a wider conversation about ethical reporting standards in South Korea, particularly in cases involving public figures and sensitive legal issues. As of now, no formal charges or investigations have been announced regarding Kim Soo Hyun in connection with the petition’s claims.