Chinese netizens challenge Kim Soo Hyun’s dating timeline with Kim Sae Ron

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun. Photo from Gold Medalist's Instagram

YouTube channel GaroSaero Research shared an interview with a woman claiming to be Kim Sae Ron’s aunt on March 10. In the interview, the woman alleged the two actors were in a relationship for six years, beginning when Kim Sae Ron was 15 and Kim Soo Hyun was 27.

In response, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency Gold Medalist—which he co-founded—confirmed the actors had dated from summer 2019 to fall 2020. According to the agency’s timeline, Kim Sae Ron was of legal age when the relationship began.

However, this admission contradicts the agency’s earlier denial issued in March of last year, following speculation sparked by Kim Sae Ron’s quickly-deleted Instagram post featuring an intimate photo with Kim Soo Hyun.

According to India Times, adding further doubts, Chinese netizens disputed Gold Medalist’s claim that a photo depicting Kim Soo Hyun kissing Kim Sae Ron’s cheek was taken in winter 2020. They uncovered an image from 2015 showing Kim Soo Hyun wearing the same black-framed glasses and black cap as in the disputed photo. Moreover, they noted the glasses were reportedly gifted to him by Chinese fans in 2013, implying the photo was taken much earlier.

Chinese netizens also questioned another intimate photo by pointing to a mole above Kim Soo Hyun’s left eyebrow, which reportedly was absent in photos from 2019-2020, suggesting the image predates the agency’s timeline.

One social media user remarked: "Chinese fans are fast. Who are you fooling?"

Amid this controversy, Kim Soo Hyun has experienced significant backlash, including lost endorsements, the removal of billboards, and rising boycott calls within South Korea.

At 37, Kim Soo Hyun debuted on television in 2007 and achieved widespread acclaim with hit series like "Dream High," "The Moon Embracing the Sun," "My Love from the Star," "It’s Okay to Not Be Okay," and "Queen of Tears." Known as one of South Korea’s highest-paid actors, he also earns substantial income from endorsements.

Kim Sae Ron was found deceased at her home in Seoul on Feb. 16 at the age of 25. Authorities ruled out foul play. Her funeral was held on Feb. 19.

She gained international attention as the youngest South Korean actress to attend the Cannes Film Festival for her role in the 2009 film "A Brand New Life," and became the youngest nominee for Best Actress at South Korea’s prestigious Baeksang Awards.

However, her career declined significantly following a drunk driving incident, resulting in the loss of film roles and endorsement deals.