As a mom of a 22yr and a woman, I am going to advocate for the safety and protection of women of all ages. I really don't understand those who continue to defend and support KSH. While. I don't wish death upon KSH, I do wish justice and in my country he would be behind bars. When discussing a potential victim of grooming, neutrality is simply not the answer. If KSR were my friend or family member neutrality wouldn't even be an option.
There seems to be some debate about the morality/ethics of teens dating grown adults with large age gaps. Here's some backed information:
Teenagers brains are literally not completely done developing.
-"Although the brain stops growing in size by early adolescence, the teen years are all about fine-tuning how the brain works. The brain finishes developing and maturing in the mid-to-late 20s. The part of the brain behind the forehead, called the prefrontal cortex, is one of the last parts to mature. This area is responsible for skills like planning, prioritizing, and making good decisions." (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-teen-brain-7-things-to-know)
"The rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so.
In fact, recent research has found that adult and teen brains work differently. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s rational part. This is the part of the brain that responds to situations with good judgment and an awareness of long-term consequences. Teens process information with the amygdala. This is the emotional part.
-anxiety and depression -eating disorders -post-traumatic stress -difficulty coping with stress -self-harm -suicidal thoughts -sexually transmitted infections -pregnancy -feelings of shame and guilt -drug and alcohol problems -relationship problems with family, friends and partners.
I'm not talking culture differences here. This is medical science.
Bottom Line These types of "relationships" (I call it abuse) are ethically wrong. Like every other teenager, KSR simply did not have enough rationale at 15yr old to be dating a man 11yrs her senior.
In my opinion, it seems like to him his association with KSR has jeopardized/ruined his fan count, endorsements, and his reputation. I think he used the term intentionally to distance himself from KSR. Which is pretty cold and calculated.
So basically this was to publicly announce he was suing the family of the "deceased" as he put it. I had hoped he would at least come clean and apologize for the inappropriate relationship. That would've ended things. To not even use KSR's name and refer to her his ex girlfriend and coworker as the deceased is extremely cold, rude and disrespectful.
"Wait so the messages of I miss you and hugs are not proof of a relationship..." Let's run with that for sec.…
"But if they were close as family they could use it." If you had a 15-17 yr old and 27-28 yr old family friend/family was texting this you would be ok with it? And texts about holding her as she sleeps? I know cultures are different but this is not ok.
Slightly off topic but stands to reference his character and their relationship: If they were in the family/family friend context, why didn't he attend her funeral? They knew each other for YEARS, supposed to be friends and, worked at the same agency. None of this is circumstantial or speculation it's well documented proven fact. Even if there was no romantic link, it's normal that a Sunbae would attend the funeral of a Hoobae of the same company.
A great example is Won Bin who had been out of the public eye for a DECADE and basically came out of retirement to attend her funeral. He only worked with KSR on one film.
I'll answer your first question, about why the release of evidence in this manner.It's tactical.1. Make a statement…
My points were backed with sources (The linked websites) and I made my point which was that Gold Medalist did in fact lie. That was the topic of my comment. That was my purpose not to argue the credibility of anything. Your response comment is discussing the credibility of the evidence which while relevant to your point, is irrelevant to the context of my comment.
You can continue to defend him, it's your prerogative. Though I am a fan of his work, as a 43 yr old woman, mother of a young woman, and former victim myself, I will not. Bottom line Are all parties involved completely perfect and innocent? My opinion: No
Did he groom her? My opinion: yes "Grooming is when a person builds a relationship with a child, young person or an adult who's at risk so they can abuse them and manipulate them into doing things. The abuse is usually sexual or financial, but it can also include other illegal acts." (https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/gr/grooming/)
Is grooming abuse? My opinion (as well as medical opinion): yes
I'll answer your first question, about why the release of evidence in this manner.It's tactical.1. Make a statement…
My first language is English so I responded based off that. "The Korea Herald (Korean: 코리아헤럴드) is a South Korean English-language daily newspaper founded in August 1953 and published in Seoul. The editorial staff is composed of Korean and international writers and editors, with additional news coverage drawn from international news agencies such as the Associated Press." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Korea_Herald)
I am pretty sure they make sure their translations are accurate. Defamation laws are pretty strict out there from what I hear.
but for the sake of grace lets toss out #1
#2 not so fast. The agency denied any romantic linking between the two actors and clearly knew they had been romantically linked because their following statement was admitting the relationship (https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10441890) so that is indeed a lie from the agency
#3 Also stays because GM said they dated while she was an adult but the most recent evidence says otherwise.
As far as the rest... while it is relevant to the situation as a whole, it is irrelevant to my post because I was exclusively disputing the agency's "innocence".
However, I will say this: I believe many factors led to her death. I personally believe KSH was one of them. Why? Because of out of 365 days in a year, she passed on his birthday. The date was not random, it was intentional. Why she was intentional or what message she may have trying to convey, I have no idea.
he needs to just sue the family at this point to clear his name. Also it looks like they are blaming him for her…
There is no clearing his name at this point. As of today (3/27/2025) there's too much evidence proving his intimate connection to her. As far as him being responsible for her death, her death was her choice. However, out of 365 day that are in a year she picked his birthday to die? That was not random, that was intentional. What ever reasons she had for taking her own life he was definitely one of them.
Lie #3 3/14/2025 -"Gold Medalist, stated Friday in a press release that the actor began dating late actor Kim Sae-ron when she was an adult" (https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10441890)
Why is number 3 a lie? The sheer amount of evidence proving otherwise: Letters, postcards, texts, photos, and video. What was already released looked pretty bad and then as of today, this article:
Wait so the messages of I miss you and hugs are not proof of a relationship... But again, they put out a handwritten…
"Wait so the messages of I miss you and hugs are not proof of a relationship..." Let's run with that for sec. Even if one needs even MORE proof of an inappropriate relationship, a grown man texting an underaged teenager these things is ok?
The texts were more than just I miss you. Feel free to check out this article. Also note the dates.
I don't speak Korean but I am actively learning it. Korean has different levels of speech that are used in respective appropriate contexts based on Korean culture. Statements like "I miss you" and "I want to hug you" is very intimate speech. From what I have learned, these would only be used between family members or romantic partners not a supposed platonic relationship between a underaged teenager and a grown man.
I disagree with the tone of the article and the logic.It's far too bland, ignoring the elephant in the room, supported…
Wow. Ok. While I am not on KSH's side at all, I am also not a zealot. You are probably correct in that I approached pedophilia from the child's perspective: I survived it many times over before the age of 5. I am aware that Asians are not a group. However, while each respective Asian country has its own rich and unique identity and culture, collectively they share some similarities that differ from many western cultures. I am not Asian, I am a Latina. I am not claiming to know all things Asian, I barely know all things Latino/Hispanic. I was simply pointing out some observations. Latinos are similar in that each country has its own identity and culture but have over-arching similarities.
As far as left-wing/wokeness...well, say what you want, believe what you want. I'm just nobody on the internet with an opinion.
I disagree with the tone of the article and the logic.It's far too bland, ignoring the elephant in the room, supported…
I completely agree that age gaps that include a minor are psychologically abusive, criminal, and grooming. A minor cannot make a wise, consenting decision because their brains aren’t even done developing. (The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know, n.d.) This is medical fact. However, I also understand that me being an American, my perspective follows the law in my country. Unfortunately, (in my opinion) the same perspective and laws are not echoed in other countries. That’s why I referenced the article as being unbiased. It is true that real life is made up of individuals. However, many Asian cultures are collectivistic and conformist, despite being made up of individuals. Hence the group based thinking, categorizing, males, and females as groups with the same views experiences and circumstances that you mentioned. Whereas in the west we’re very individualistic and nonconformist which shapes our view on those very same things.
"One of the most troubling aspects of this controversy is how toxic fan culture has further accelerated the divide in public opinion. While a section of netizens is questioning the power dynamics and timelines of the events in the case, another section of fans dismisses concerns about grooming, power imbalance, and financial coercion, focusing instead on protecting their idol at all costs. This is more than just a scandal- it’s a wake-up call to the entertainment industry and fans alike. If anything, Kim Sae-ron’s tragic passing serves as a harsh reminder that celebrity status does not guarantee protection from power imbalances, industry cruelty, or society’s shifting moral compass-proving it's NOT okay to [not] be okay." - (Agarwal, 2025)
This is pretty unbiased well-written article. I sincerely challenge everyone keeping up with this to check yourself and emotions. Replace KSH and KSR with people you know in your own life and see if that changes your perspective. This is an important conversation that needs occur with respectful and factual dialogue. Be blessed.
When discussing a potential victim of grooming, neutrality is simply not the answer.
If KSR were my friend or family member neutrality wouldn't even be an option.
There seems to be some debate about the morality/ethics of teens dating grown adults with large age gaps. Here's some backed information:
Teenagers brains are literally not completely done developing.
-"Although the brain stops growing in size by early adolescence, the teen years are all about fine-tuning how the brain works. The brain finishes developing and maturing in the mid-to-late 20s. The part of the brain behind the forehead, called the prefrontal cortex, is one of the last parts to mature. This area is responsible for skills like planning, prioritizing, and making good decisions."
(https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-teen-brain-7-things-to-know)
-"Because the teen brain is still developing, teens may respond to stress differently than adults. This could increase teens’ chances of developing stress-related mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression."
(https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-teen-brain-7-things-to-know)
"The rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so.
In fact, recent research has found that adult and teen brains work differently. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s rational part. This is the part of the brain that responds to situations with good judgment and an awareness of long-term consequences. Teens process information with the amygdala. This is the emotional part.
In teens' brains, the connections between the emotional part of the brain and the decision-making center are still developing—and not always at the same rate."
(https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/Encyclopedia/content?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=3051)
Now that we understand the brain, feel free to check out this article "But They Went Willingly - Understanding Teen Sexual Grooming"
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/protecting-children-from-sexual-abuse/202002/but-they-went-willingly-understanding-teen-sexual
"Grooming can have both short and long-term effects. The impact of grooming can last a lifetime, no matter whether it happened in person, online or both."
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/grooming/
Here are some effects of grooming.
-anxiety and depression
-eating disorders
-post-traumatic stress
-difficulty coping with stress
-self-harm
-suicidal thoughts
-sexually transmitted infections
-pregnancy
-feelings of shame and guilt
-drug and alcohol problems
-relationship problems with family, friends and partners.
I'm not talking culture differences here. This is medical science.
Bottom Line
These types of "relationships" (I call it abuse) are ethically wrong.
Like every other teenager, KSR simply did not have enough rationale at 15yr old to be dating a man 11yrs her senior.
What evidence would you need to be convinced?
If you had a 15-17 yr old and 27-28 yr old family friend/family was texting this you would be ok with it? And texts about holding her as she sleeps?
I know cultures are different but this is not ok.
Slightly off topic but stands to reference his character and their relationship:
If they were in the family/family friend context, why didn't he attend her funeral? They knew each other for YEARS, supposed to be friends and, worked at the same agency. None of this is circumstantial or speculation it's well documented proven fact. Even if there was no romantic link, it's normal that a Sunbae would attend the funeral of a Hoobae of the same company.
A great example is Won Bin who had been out of the public eye for a DECADE and basically came out of retirement to attend her funeral. He only worked with KSR on one film.
Your response comment is discussing the credibility of the evidence which while relevant to your point, is irrelevant to the context of my comment.
You can continue to defend him, it's your prerogative.
Though I am a fan of his work, as a 43 yr old woman, mother of a young woman, and former victim myself, I will not.
Bottom line
Are all parties involved completely perfect and innocent?
My opinion: No
Did he groom her? My opinion: yes
"Grooming is when a person builds a relationship with a child, young person or an adult who's at risk so they can abuse them and manipulate them into doing things.
The abuse is usually sexual or financial, but it can also include other illegal acts."
(https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/gr/grooming/)
Is grooming abuse? My opinion (as well as medical opinion): yes
(https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/protecting-children-from-sexual-abuse/202204/how-sexual-abusers-try-to-groom-children)
Does that make him a pedophile? Absolutely. (technically ephebophile)
(https://www.britannica.com/topic/ephebophilia)
Did he kill her? no
Did he contribute to factors leading to her death?
My opinion: yes (clearly, she died on his birthday)
There is no further discourse needed between us to continue is a waste. Our values on this are different and we will not agree. Be blessed.
"The Korea Herald (Korean: 코리아헤럴드) is a South Korean English-language daily newspaper founded in August 1953 and published in Seoul. The editorial staff is composed of Korean and international writers and editors, with additional news coverage drawn from international news agencies such as the Associated Press." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Korea_Herald)
I am pretty sure they make sure their translations are accurate. Defamation laws are pretty strict out there from what I hear.
but for the sake of grace lets toss out #1
#2 not so fast.
The agency denied any romantic linking between the two actors and clearly knew they had been romantically linked because their following statement was admitting the relationship
(https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10441890)
so that is indeed a lie from the agency
#3 Also stays because GM said they dated while she was an adult but the most recent evidence says otherwise.
As far as the rest... while it is relevant to the situation as a whole, it is irrelevant to my post because I was exclusively disputing the agency's "innocence".
However, I will say this: I believe many factors led to her death. I personally believe KSH was one of them. Why? Because of out of 365 days in a year, she passed on his birthday. The date was not random, it was intentional. Why she was intentional or what message she may have trying to convey, I have no idea.
Also just because something is a common lie, it's still a lie by definition.
!?!?!?
Lie #1
3/24/2024 -"Agency denies Kim Sae-ron, Kim Soo-hyun dating rumours"
(https://www.koreaherald.com/article/3355548)
Lie #2
3/12/2025 -"the agency called the allegations "clearly false and baseless" "
(https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10439932)
Lie #3
3/14/2025 -"Gold Medalist, stated Friday in a press release that the actor began dating late actor Kim Sae-ron when she was an adult"
(https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10441890)
Why is number 3 a lie? The sheer amount of evidence proving otherwise: Letters, postcards, texts, photos, and video. What was already released looked pretty bad and then as of today, this article:
https://www.soompi.com/article/1733016wpp/kim-sae-rons-family-holds-press-conference-reveals-kim-sae-rons-messages-with-kim-soo-hyun
So yes GM the agency did in fact lie. Denial of something that is true is a lie.
I am only addressing your statement about the agency not lying.
Let's run with that for sec. Even if one needs even MORE proof of an inappropriate relationship, a grown man texting an underaged teenager these things is ok?
The texts were more than just I miss you. Feel free to check out this article. Also note the dates.
https://www.soompi.com/article/1733016wpp/kim-sae-rons-family-holds-press-conference-reveals-kim-sae-rons-messages-with-kim-soo-hyun
I don't speak Korean but I am actively learning it. Korean has different levels of speech that are used in respective appropriate contexts based on Korean culture. Statements like "I miss you" and "I want to hug you" is very intimate speech. From what I have learned, these would only be used between family members or romantic partners not a supposed platonic relationship between a underaged teenager and a grown man.
I am aware that Asians are not a group. However, while each respective Asian country has its own rich and unique identity and culture, collectively they share some similarities that differ from many western cultures. I am not Asian, I am a Latina. I am not claiming to know all things Asian, I barely know all things Latino/Hispanic. I was simply pointing out some observations. Latinos are similar in that each country has its own identity and culture but have over-arching similarities.
As far as left-wing/wokeness...well, say what you want, believe what you want. I'm just nobody on the internet with an opinion.
This is more than just a scandal- it’s a wake-up call to the entertainment industry and fans alike. If anything, Kim Sae-ron’s tragic passing serves as a harsh reminder that celebrity status does not guarantee protection from power imbalances, industry cruelty, or society’s shifting moral compass-proving it's NOT okay to [not] be okay." - (Agarwal, 2025)
Agarwal, B. (2025, March 17). Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron controversy: Exposing Korean industry's double standards. India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/entertainment/ott/story/the-kim-soo-hyun-and-kim-sae-ron-controversy-why-its-not-okay-to-be-okay-2694514-2025-03-17
This is pretty unbiased well-written article. I sincerely challenge everyone keeping up with this to check yourself and emotions. Replace KSH and KSR with people you know in your own life and see if that changes your perspective. This is an important conversation that needs occur with respectful and factual dialogue. Be blessed.