A photo purporting to be of actors Kim Soo-Hyun and Kim Sae-Ron has been circulated on the internet again, fuelling persistent speculations of their past romance.
The image, which circulated in online communities on March 17, features Kim Sae-ron standing in front of an elevator wearing a long black padded coat, with a person in a red padded jacket, suspected to be Kim Soo-hyun, standing behind her.
Fans quickly reacted to the image, with some asserting, "Just looking at the ear and head shape, any Kim Soo-hyun fan would recognize him instantly."
Others expressed skepticism, noting that her mother, rather than a manager, often accompanied Kim Sae-Ron during that time.
"It really seems like him, but there's a slight chance it isn't," one fan commented.
Reports indicate that the same photo remains on fan accounts dedicated to Kim Sae-ron, leading many to believe her fans may have been aware of their relationship long before rumors gained traction.
The resurfacing of the photo has added fuel to the fire of controversy regarding Kim Soo-Hyun, who has been shrouded by rumors of dating 12-year-old Kim Sae-Ron since 2015.
At that time, Kim Sae-ron was still a minor, prompting accusations of grooming against the actor.
Initially, Kim Soo-hyun completely denied any accusations. However, the continued emergence of photos and public backlash led him to address the rumors on March 14.
In an official statement, he acknowledged for the first time that he and Kim Sae-ron had been in a relationship but insisted their romance only began after she had reached adulthood.
In response to the ongoing scandal, Kim Soo-hyun's agency released a statement regarding his well-being.
"Early this morning, Kim Soo-hyun showed signs of severe psychological distress. We have taken necessary measures to ensure his complete rest and stability," the agency stated.
However, the explanation did little to quell the controversy.
The bereaved family of Kim Sae-Ron was enraged by the situation, explicitly calling these people out — Kim Soo-Hyun and content creator Lee Jin-ho.
Tensions surrounding the case have escalated, with the family believing formal apologies are owed from both parties.
