Kim Soo-hyun denies dating Kim Sae-ron

Actors Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun are seen in an intimate pose on the former's social media. The photo was removed soon after being posted, with his management saying any dating rumors are "completely unfounded." / Captured from Kim Sae-ron's social media

Actor Kim Soo-hyun, 36, has categorically denied the dating rumors that emerged after a photo of him with actress Kim Sae-ron, 24, was briefly posted on social media and then quickly deleted. The photo, which showed the two actors cheek-to-cheek, was posted on social media on March 24 and quickly became the center of dating rumors.

Responding swiftly to the rumors, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, issued a statement denying any romantic involvement between the two actors, dismissing the speculation as "groundless."

"The dating rumors concerning Kim Soo-hyun are entirely groundless. The photo in question seems to have been taken back when both actors were under the same management. We are unclear about the motives behind Kim Sae-ron's decision to post and then promptly remove the photo," the statement said. 

Gold Medalist also highlighted the negative impact of the photo, noting that it has caused unnecessary misunderstandings and rampant speculation. "We will take strong legal measures against any defamation and offensive posts that tarnish the actor's reputation and character. We appeal to everyone to avoid baseless rumors and speculative content."

The actress uploaded a photo on social media in the early hours, featuring her and Kim Soo-hyun in a close, intimate pose, which she removed shortly after.

She paused her entertainment industry activities after a DUI incident in Seoul's affluent Gangnam District in May 2022. While driving under the influence of alcohol, she had multiple collisions before crashing into an electricity delivery point, resulting in power to dozens of local businesses being cut off. She was fined 20 million won by the Seoul Central District Court in April 2023.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, was translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.