South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun is facing renewed scrutiny after fresh allegations and chat exchanges surfaced regarding his past relationship with Kim Sae Ron. The controversy deepened after the YouTube channel Garosero claimed to have access to the late actress’ personal electronic devices and released messages suggesting she was frustrated with his lack of responsiveness.

Leaked messages suggest relationship strain

According to Koreaboo, on April 2, Garosero aired new evidence, including text exchanges that allegedly show Kim Sae Ron expressing disappointment over being repeatedly ignored. In a message dated April 13, 2018, at around 2 a.m., she reportedly wrote to Kim Soo Hyun: “Oppa, when you miss me and need me, you keep in touch with me without a problem, but when I need you, you’re always MIA. It bothers me that I can’t get in contact with you, and it’s inconvenient. If you don’t put in the effort, then I’m not seeing you anymore.”

Garosero’s Kim Se Ui pointed to this message as proof of an emotional attachment, arguing that it contradicted Kim Soo Hyun’s previous claims that their relationship was merely friendly. The channel doubled down by revealing additional photos and screenshots, which they claim further implicate the actor.

Photo evidence and age discrepancies

Garosero also released what it claims to be a critical piece of evidence—a photo of Kim Soo Hyun from 2017, allegedly taken by Kim Sae Ron. “Kim Soo Hyun, this picture’s metadata shows it was taken on September 20, 2017. What is your excuse? Kim Sae Ron was in 10th grade at the time. Do you remember which neighbourhood you were in on this date?” Kim Se Ui stated. Another image from April 2017 purportedly shows Kim Soo Hyun at home, with Garosero claiming, “This is probably a selfie, but isn’t this your house where you ate the spicy chicken stew? But on this day, Kim Sae Ron was only 16.”

One of the most debated pieces of evidence is a photograph where Kim Soo Hyun is seen kissing Kim Sae Ron on the cheek. His legal team maintains that the picture was taken in 2019 when she was 20 years old. However, Kim Se Ui argues that Kim Sae Ron herself previously stated it was from 2016 when she was still a minor. “Did she suddenly become a college student overnight? What major was she studying back then?” he asked sarcastically.

Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team dismisses claims

At a recent press conference, Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representatives dismissed five photos presented by Garosero, reiterating that all images were from 2019, after Kim Sae Ron had turned 20. They also announced further legal action against Garosero, alleging the channel has engaged in relentless harassment.

In a statement released through LKB & Partners, the actor’s legal team said: “The channel has aired daily content about Kim Soo Hyun—excluding just one day—spreading false information about the actor. Further, Gaseyeon has indiscriminately disseminated photos and videos showing Kim Soo Hyun’s face and body, as well as private letters and messages, via its YouTube channel. In light of this, the only path to halting Gaseyeon’s ‘cyber wrecking’ activities lies in a thorough investigation and stern legal consequences.”

Additionally, the team has filed new lawsuits against Kim Se Ui for stalking and defamation, emphasising that they will take all necessary legal measures to protect the actor’s reputation.

Did Kim Soo Hyun use multiple accounts?

Garosero also alleged that Kim Soo Hyun attempted to conceal his interactions with Kim Sae Ron by using multiple KakaoTalk accounts under different names. According to Kim Se Ui, the actor would frequently create new accounts to chat with Kim Sae Ron before deleting them to erase all traces.

Screenshots leaked by the channel allegedly show Kim Soo Hyun’s name appearing as “unknown” in conversations with Kim Sae Ron. In one exchange from April 13, 2018, he reportedly greeted her with the message: “Pretty Nero, are you doing well?” Another conversation from May 16, 2018, appears to show Kim Sae Ron playfully warning him about his inconsistent responses: “The day after tomorrow sounds good, but if I don’t hear from you tomorrow like I didn’t today, you’re dead.” Kim Soo Hyun allegedly replied, “Was I… MIA again?”

Forensic analysis and more evidence to come

Garosero has also claimed to be in possession of extensive digital records, including call logs and FaceTime history between the two actors from 2018, when Kim Sae Ron was 17. The channel alleges that it has obtained five of her mobile phones and four laptops, which are currently undergoing forensic analysis by top experts in Korea.

Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team has yet to issue a detailed rebuttal to these latest claims. While the actor has denied any wrongdoing, Garosero has hinted that further revelations are on the way, intensifying the pressure on him.