Actor Kim Soo Hyun is under fire following his team's explanation regarding an alleged past relationship with actress Kim Sae Ron, who was a minor at the time.

The controversy escalated after viral photos resurfaced, showing the two together, including one depicting a soju bottle during a visit to Kim Soo Hyun's home in June 2018.

Kim Soo Hyun's representatives confirmed that the meeting took place but denied any inappropriate relationship, stating that his family was present.

"The visit did occur, but it was a casual gathering, and his family was also there," his team said in a statement.

However, netizens were quick to express skepticism and outrage, questioning why a minor was present at his home late at night.

"So he really made a minor cook Spicy Chicken Stew, and it was really at 11 p.m.? LOL, you bastard," one commenter wrote in a viral online forum post.

Another added, "Even if the family was there, it's a problem. If they weren't, it's still a problem."

Critics also questioned why alcohol was involved, arguing that the explanation only raised more concerns.

"Seriously, if they weren't in a relationship, then why were they drinking soju together? Was their family there too?" another comment read.

The controversy stems from claims made by Garo Sero Institute, which has released multiple photos alleging a romantic relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron when she was underage.

Kim Soo Hyun's team has refuted these claims, stating that some images were either taken when she was already an adult or do not feature him at all.

Despite these denials, netizens are still not convinced, and some are now accusing Kim Soo Hyun of grooming.

"If they weren't in a romantic relationship, wouldn't that be an even bigger problem?

Grooming a minor into believing they're in a relationship and acting like a normal couple?" one commenter wrote.