In February, when Kim Sae-Ron was found dead in her home, she joined the growing list of Korean artists who ended their lives. But the 24-year-old actress’s relationship with an older male superstar has come under scrutiny compared to her life.
The tragedy and scandal gets involved in Kim Soo-hyun, 37, one of South Korea’s most famous actors and is filled with accusations worthy of a K-drama storyline: a former child prodigy and a 13-year-old man who begins dating in her senior year. Shortly after their breakup, the actress fell into a drunken incident that proved deadly to her career and suffered financial troubles, and the actor became one of the richest stars in the country. She tried but failed to make a comeback. Then she committed suicide.
The scandal also brought more serious charges. Since Ms. Kim’s death, her family said Mr. Kim started dating her as a minor and after they broke up, a talent agency he set up imposed debts on her that forced her to repay. Mr. Kim denied allegations against him and filed a defamation lawsuit against Kim Jong Il's family.
However, the scandal has begun to burn down Mr. Kim's career and highlights the dangers of Korean celebrities in which personal life can be subject to ruthless scrutiny. Celebrities have seen their careers ruined-even end their lives because everything from plastic surgery to romantic life is aggressive and sometimes malicious online rumor.
“Koreans take entertainment like public figures, and they have to adhere to textbook ethical standards,” said Bae Kug-Nam, author of several books on the Korean entertainment industry.
Mr Bae said the culture is combined with YouTuber and other influencers, who have created deadly traps.
Ms. Kim is a former child star who faces such a violent attack when she encounters an incident of drunkenness in 2022. In open anger, the advertiser abandoned her. The role was cancelled. After the incident, Ms. Jin left Mr. Jin’s agent gold medalist but still owed the loan, which was used to pay the fine for failing to sign a contract with the production company and the advertiser.
Jeongseob Kim, a professor at the School of Cultural Industry and Arts at Sungshin Women’s University in Seoul, said the lack of risk management training has made many Korean artists poorly prepared for such crises. To them, scandals often mean financial damage.
“The stars have reached incredible heights,” Professor Jin said. “But they didn't realize that the peaks mean deep valleys until they were in trouble.”
Ms Kim’s relationship with Mr. Kim became news last year when she briefly posted an old photo on Instagram. The photo shows the touch of the cheeks of both and sparks speculation, even though Mr. King denied the dating relationship.
Last month, Mr. Jin faced a mature scandal. Kim's family brought her story to Hoverlab, a YouTube channel known for its sensational content. Hoverlab posted photos, video clips and text messages saying Mr. Kim began sexually modifying Ms. Kim when she was under 16 and ignored her when she was in financial trouble.
Mr. Kim and his agency denied the claims and filed a lawsuit against Hoverlab and Ms. Kim’s family, accusing them of spreading fabricated evidence, extorting the actor and invading his privacy.
A few days before Ms Kim posted the photo last year, she received a notice from Mr. Kim’s agency asking for debt repayment. The agency said the notice was only a step in the process, but her family’s lawyer said she felt pressured and asked for help from Mr. Kim.
“She tried but couldn't get to Kim Soo-hyun,” said Boo Ji-Seok, the attorney for her family. “She posted the photos briefly, hoping that it would prompt him to call her back.”
The pressure on Kim’s family is getting stronger and stronger, and Mr. Kim said last month that he dated her for a year as an adult. Ms. Kim's lawyer insists that their romantic relationship lasted for six years since 2015.
Mr. Kim said his denial last year was driven by his fears of the damage that would be caused by the acknowledgement. “I have a lot to protect,” he said in a tearful press conference on Monday, explaining that a drama series called “The Queen of Tears” was being displayed on TV at the time. “What will happen to the actors who performed with me, the staff who worked on the spot overnight and everything on the project?”
The brand has begun to get him out of advertising. Local media reported that he would face huge penalties if he was involved in the scandal hazards projects, including the Disney+ show.
“It's hard for him to maintain his current position,” Professor Kim said. “The system rarely has a second chance.”
If you have a thought of suicide, please call or text 988 to reach 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to showeofsuicide.com/resources A list of other resources.
In South Korea, please call 109 to obtain the Ministry of Health’s suicide prevention hotline or visit the Korean website 129.go.kr/109.
