Kim Soo-hyun Addresses Scandal in Emotional Press Conference
Renowned actor Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference to address the controversy surrounding his past relationship with the late Kim Sae-rom. Expressing deep regret, he admitted his past fears and struggles but firmly denied allegations related to her tragic passing.
"I Am Not a Criminal"
Kim Soo-hyun opened his speech with an apology, acknowledging the pain and suffering the scandal has caused. He described himself as a coward who was always afraid of losing what he had. Reflecting on his past decisions, he admitted to denying their relationship initially but insisted that they were just ordinary lovers for a year.
Denies Pressuring Kim Sae-rom
He emphasized that he never had a relationship with her when she was a minor and denied any financial pressure from his agency that could have influenced her tragic decision. Addressing rumors, he insisted that he never forced her into anything and never manipulated her.
Challenges Evidence Presented by Kim Sae-rom’s Family
Kim Soo-hyun criticized the accusations made against him, particularly questioning the authenticity of the evidence provided by Kim Sae-rom’s family. He highlighted inconsistencies in the shared messages and presented forensic analysis proving that some conversations were fabricated.
Calls for a Thorough Investigation
He concluded by urging authorities to conduct a full investigation into the evidence presented by the bereaved family. Kim Soo-hyun vowed to prove his innocence and stated that he would not accept false accusations.
Full Statement Translation
Full Statement by Kim Soo-hyun
First of all, I sincerely apologize. It seems that too many people have suffered because of me alone. And I feel nothing but sorrow knowing that the deceased may not even be able to rest in peace.
I consider myself a coward. I have always been preoccupied with protecting what I have. I could not even trust the goodwill that came my way and was always afraid of losing something or being harmed. I was busy running away and denying things. That is why it took such a long time for me to stand here today. I keep wondering, what if I had just spoken about everything from the very beginning? If I had, perhaps the fans who loved me and the company staff who worked tirelessly for this press conference would not have suffered so much.
Each time details of my private life and that of the deceased were exposed, I kept thinking that I should just say everything myself and put an end to this madness. But I hesitated every time. I worried about how my decision would affect those around me. What if I ended up ruining everything for myself and everyone else?
When ‘Queen of Tears’ was airing, the deceased posted a photo of us together. The truth is, we dated for about a year, four years ago. However, at that time, I denied our relationship. I understand why people criticize my decision. I can also understand if people do not believe what I say now about my past with the deceased. But this is the only opportunity I have to speak, so I would be truly grateful if you could listen to me just once.
Becoming an actor brought me an overwhelming amount of love. I was originally someone who had little, but I suddenly became someone with too much to protect. Even while ‘Queen of Tears’ was airing, there were so many things I had to protect as the lead actor. I kept thinking—what would happen if I admitted to dating someone years ago? How would it affect my fellow actors, the staff who worked tirelessly through the night, the production company that had put everything into this drama, and my agency?
Every time the choices of "Kim Soo-hyun the person" and "Kim Soo-hyun the star" conflicted, I always chose the latter. And I was terrified every single day. What if all the choices I made to protect my status as a star came back to destroy me?
But even if I could go back to when ‘Queen of Tears’ was airing, I would make the same choice. I had no other option. Could I really make that decision just for my own comfort? No matter how much I thought about it, I knew I could not. I believed that taking responsibility for the life I chose as Kim Soo-hyun was my duty.
I accept any criticism calling my choice cowardly or selfish. I also apologize to everyone who has supported me. Even now, I am filled with anxiety. I fear what consequences my words will bring. But because of who I am, I believe I must speak out.
Some people advised me to take the easy way out—to manage the risks, admit to certain things, and let public interest fade over time before planning a comeback. If I had done that, perhaps my private life would not have been so thoroughly exposed. I would not have had to endure daily threats about leaked photos or face humiliation over my private images being spread.
But I could not do that. I could not accept the coercion that demanded I acknowledge falsehoods as facts.
Let me address the points that people are most curious about:
I did not date the deceased while she was a minor. I also did not abandon her, nor did my agency pressure her over her debts, leading to her tragic decision.
Aside from both of us being actors, we were an ordinary couple like anyone else. We had good feelings for each other, dated, and then broke up as time passed. After that, we rarely kept in touch. Like most former couples, contacting each other again was not easy. We were both public figures, and while she was still in the same agency as me, I had a general sense of how she was doing. That made reaching out even harder.
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If I were to falsely admit to things I never did, I would be betraying everyone who has ever believed in me. Even if I have lived my life wearing the mask of "Kim Soo-hyun the celebrity," this is the one thing I cannot do.
I will accept responsibility for what I have done. But I will not admit to things I have not done.
I am not asking you to believe me—I will prove it.
Thank you.
