Kim Soo-hyun Embroiled in Underage Relationship Scandal, Sparking National Outrage
The scandal surrounding Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has taken a darker turn, with allegations emerging that he may have been involved in a relationship with a minor, sparking widespread outrage and calls for greater protections for underage individuals. The situation has drawn parallels with the high-profile "Nth Room" case, which rocked South Korea in 2020 and led to changes in the country's laws regarding sexual consent. At the center of the controversy is Kim Soo-hyun's alleged relationship with a 15-year-old girl, which has raised questions about the actor's actions and whether they constitute a crime.
21 March 2025
According to reports, the girl's family has accused Kim Soo-hyun of pursuing a romantic relationship with their daughter when she was just 15, and has released evidence, including handwritten letters and photos, to support their claims. The case has sparked a national debate about the need for stronger protections for minors and the importance of consent in relationships. In 2020, South Korea's "Nth Room" case, in which dozens of underage girls were exploited and forced to create explicit content, led to widespread outrage and calls for change, resulting in the government introducing new laws to protect minors, including raising the age of consent to 19 for relationships between adults and minors aged 13-16.
The Kim Soo-hyun case has also raised concerns about the power dynamics at play in the entertainment industry, where young and vulnerable individuals may be exploited by those in positions of power. The case has drawn comparisons to high-profile cases of abuse and exploitation in the entertainment industry, including the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the Jeffrey Epstein case. Furthermore, it has been reported that Kim Soo-hyun had a six-year relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who was 15 years old when they started dating, with her family claiming that she was controlled and manipulated by the actor, leading to her career decline and eventual death in 2025.
The scandal has led to a backlash against Kim Soo-hyun, with many of his fans and sponsors distancing themselves from him. His upcoming drama and variety show appearances have been put on hold, and several brands have terminated their contracts with him. The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about the exploitation of young women in the entertainment industry and the need for greater protection and support for vulnerable individuals. As the investigation into the allegations continues, Kim Soo-hyun's reputation remains under scrutiny, serving as a reminder of the importance of promoting healthy relationships and respecting the autonomy and agency of all individuals, particularly in industries where power imbalances can be pronounced. The Korean government has been urged to take further action to protect minors and prevent similar cases from occurring in the future.
