Kim Soo-Hyun and Kim Sae-Ron
| Photo Credit: Instagram/ @soohyun_k216, AP
Looks like the K-drama star Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged involvement in the untimely death of actor Kim Sae-ron will be making the headlines for a lot longer than what he would have anticipated.
According to reports, amid the controversy, Soo-hyun has been dropped as luxury brand Prada’s brand ambassador. This comes after fans are said to have flooded Prada’s social media profiles with questions regarding their partnership with the actor after his controversial relationship with the late actor Sae-ron.
A report by SpotvNews stated, “We would like to inform you that, after considering the severity of the issue, our collaboration with Kim Soo Hyun has been mutually concluded. The contract has been terminated. The decision came from headquarters. Prada.”
Looks like Prada is not the only brand to have ended their partnership with the actor. The video of HomePlus taking down their ad featuring Soo-hyun also made its way online.
Soo-hyun faced backlash after an old Instagram post resurfaced following the death of actress Kim Sae-ron. The post, shared on February 16, showed images from his birthday celebration, coinciding with the day Kim Sae-ron was found dead. In the now-controversial post, Kim Soo-hyun thanked fans for their gifts and well-wishes. However, after Kim Sae-ron’s family accused him of playing a role in her struggles, social media users began scrutinizing the timing of his post.
On March 10, the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute aired a video in which Kim Sae-ron’s aunt alleged that Kim Soo-hyun was in a secret relationship with the actress for six years, beginning when she was 15. She further claimed that Kim Soo-hyun distanced himself from Kim Sae-ron after her 2022 DUI scandal and that his agency, Gold Medalist, contributed to her financial difficulties.
Kim Sae-ron, known for dramas like Listen to My Heart, The Queen’s Classroom, and Hi! School-Love On, was found dead at 24 in her Seoul home.
Following her death, Kim’s father claimed that online content had contributed to her distress. In a statement at her funeral, he alleged that a YouTuber had posted videos criticising the actress, including one regarding wedding-themed photos she had shared online. The video’s title reportedly suggested that she had gone into hiding after marriage rumours.
The same individual had also posted content questioning her financial situation and sincerity. The video in question has since been removed, and Kim’s family is said to be considering legal action.
Published – March 15, 2025 01:20 pm IST
