Did Kim Sae Ron lie about her relationship with Kim Soo Hyun? Metadata exposes major inconsistency

Controversial YouTuber and former entertainment journalist Lee Jin-ho has ignited fresh debate around the alleged relationship between late actress Kim Sae-ron and actor Kim Soo-hyun. In a new 12-minute video, Lee defied a court-imposed restriction banning him from publicly discussing Kim Sae-ron, releasing what he described as “decisive evidence” that refutes claims of a long-term romance between the two stars.

Despite facing a defamation lawsuit and legal consequences, Lee declared his determination to “invest [his] life and reputation” into investigating the matter, presenting a timeline that suggests both parties were romantically involved with other individuals during the same period Sae-ron had previously claimed to be dating Soo-hyun.

Claims of long-term relationship dismissed

Lee opened the video by stating he had carried out a detailed investigation into Kim Sae-ron’s romantic history dating back to 2016. This included looking into her relationships with a wide range of people, from celebrities and businessmen to idol trainees and even a non-Korean husband.

“A lot of people continue to strongly raise suspicions that Kim Soo Hyun was in a relationship with Kim Sae Ron during her minor years. Now, the time has come to reveal the decisive evidence. I have invested both my life and reputation into this investigation,” Lee stated, as translated by Koreaboo.

He claimed to have verified the information through reliable sources and personal contacts, but chose not to disclose the names of those allegedly involved with Kim Sae-ron in order to prevent unwarranted scrutiny and “another witch hunt.”

Alleged proof of separate relationships

According to Lee, one of the most important findings was that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a committed romantic relationship with another woman from 2016 until the conclusion of his military service in 2019. This directly contradicts Kim Sae-ron’s prior claim that she had dated the actor since 2015, including during her teenage years.

“First, this case isn’t only about Kim Sae Ron, but also about the past relationships of Kim Soo Hyun. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that Kim Soo Hyun was in a romantic relationship with someone else during that period,” Lee said. He added that even close friends of the actor were aware of the seriousness of the relationship.

In an attempt to support this claim, Lee presented what he said was a FaceTime call log showing that Kim Sae-ron had contacted Kim Soo-hyun multiple times in 2018. He argued that Soo-hyun maintained distance from her due to his existing relationship.

Digital evidence casts doubt on Kim Sae-ron’s account

Lee alleged that Kim Sae-ron had misrepresented the timeline of a key photo she previously claimed was taken when she was 16 years old and romantically involved with Kim Soo-hyun. However, digital metadata reportedly shows that the photo was taken in 2019, when she was legally an adult.

“In March 2024, Kim Sae Ron mentioned a photo with Kim Soo Hyun through KakaoTalk, claiming it was taken when she was 16 years old. This statement became the root cause of all the current controversy. However, through digital evidence verification, it was found that the photo was taken in 2019,” Lee explained.

He noted that it was difficult to mistake whether one was in secondary school or university in a photo, suggesting that Kim Sae-ron’s statements might not be credible.

Video shows Kim Sae-ron with another partner in 2019

To reinforce his argument, Lee included footage reportedly captured by one of Kim Sae-ron’s friends. The clip, said to have been recorded in Seoul on 27 May 2019, allegedly shows the actress holding hands and displaying affection toward a man who was not Kim Soo-hyun. Lee claimed the friend had filmed the moment out of surprise at how publicly affectionate Sae-ron was being.

“This means that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron were both dating different people at the same time, as this evidence shows,” Lee stated.

He also noted that some people may dismiss the footage as inconclusive, but added: “Let’s first take a look at the photos of Kim Sae Ron with her partner at that time. Some may argue that holding hands with a friend doesn’t necessarily prove they were in a relationship. To clarify that this was a date, I have decided to reveal a scene where they can clearly be seen as a couple. I hope you understand.”

Timeline dispute continues

Kim Sae-ron had previously claimed through private messages that she and Kim Soo-hyun dated for six years beginning in November 2015, and once referred to him as her “first love and last love.” However, Lee refuted this, asserting that both actors were involved with other partners throughout the period in question.

“Therefore, Kim Sae Ron’s statement in her KakaoTalk message mentioning her relationship with Kim Soo Hyun lasting from November 2015 to 2021 is inaccurate,” Lee said, adding that further evidence would be released in due course.

He also addressed accusations of bias, denying claims that he was attempting to protect Kim Soo-hyun. “If the court proves he’s in the wrong, he should be held accountable,” Lee stated, reiterating his belief that the actor had not engaged in any inappropriate relationship with Kim Sae-ron.

Soo-hyun responds with legal action

In response to the controversy, Kim Soo-hyun held an emergency press conference on March 31, 2025, firmly denying all accusations. He is also pursuing a ₩12 billion KRW (approximately £7.3 million GBP) civil lawsuit against another YouTuber, Kim Se-ui of the GaroSero Research Institute, who initially circulated the dating claims.

Lee Jin-ho ended his video by stating that the investigation was ongoing and more revelations were imminent. “The materials I am revealing today are not the end. I will continue to release all the materials I have gathered and have them judged by the viewers,” he concluded.

Kim Soo Hyun's 'Knock-off' in serious trouble

Meanwhile, Kim Soo Hyun remains embroiled in public backlash and has severely impacted the 'Queen of Tears' star’s public image, resulting in the loss of major brand endorsements and widespread ridicule online. His upcoming Disney+ series Knock-Off—a gritty crime-action drama set during South Korea’s IMF crisis—has now paused production, with growing demands from viewers to recast the male lead. The situation has drawn comparisons to Kim Sae Ron’s own removal from 'Bloodhound' and screen time drastically reduced, after her 2022 DUI incident.

Social media has erupted in debate, especially after the emergence of KakaoTalk messages, handwritten letters, and alleged footage involving the two actors. Many fans are now calling for accountability and justice for Kim Sae Ron, who tragically died by suicide in February 2025 at just 24 years old.