Kim Soo-hyun cleared of allegations of dating Kim Sae-ron as a minor: Report

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has reportedly been cleared of allegations that he dated late actor Kim Sae-ron while she was underage, following a police investigation into claims that dominated Korean entertainment headlines over the past year.

The development comes as prosecutors in Seoul reportedly sought an arrest warrant for YouTuber, who runs the controversial YouTube channel Hoverlab, also known as Garo Sero Research Institute. Korean media reports said authorities are investigating allegations of defamation and the circulation of manipulated digital evidence linked to the case.

What did investigators reportedly find?

According to multiple Korean outlets, including Korea JoongAng Daily, investigators concluded that allegations claiming Kim Soo-hyun had been romantically involved with Kim Sae-ron during her teenage years were false. Reports also said forensic analysis identified inconsistencies in audio recordings, KakaoTalk messages and other materials circulated online during the controversy.

Some reports further claimed that portions of the evidence may have been altered or generated using AI-based tools. Authorities have not yet issued a final court ruling, but the latest findings mark a major shift in one of South Korea’s most closely watched celebrity controversies.

How did the controversy begin?

The allegations spread widely online in 2025 following Kim Sae-ron’s death. Hoverlab and people reportedly linked to the actress’s family alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a long-term relationship with her that began when she was underage.

At the time, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, denied claims of underage dating or grooming. The agency later confirmed that the two had previously dated as consenting adults between 2019 and 2020.

How did the allegations affect Kim Soo-hyun?

The controversy triggered intense scrutiny across Korean entertainment media and social platforms, with several brands reportedly distancing themselves from the actor amid the backlash.

In March 2025, Kim Soo-hyun held an emotional press conference in Seoul, where he denied allegations linking him to Kim Sae-ron’s death and rejected accusations of grooming. His legal team also warned that it would pursue strong legal action against those accused of spreading fabricated evidence and defamatory claims.

The latest investigation findings now appear to support the actor’s long-standing denial, while shifting attention toward the origins of the evidence circulated online.