In 2018, there were rumors and speculation about the relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron. However, any official statement or confirmation about them being in a romantic relationship was not made. It’s important to note that terms like ‘relationship’ or ‘romance’ can be subject to different interpretations and may not necessarily mean they were dating.

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[OSEN = Reporter Choi Lee-jung] ‘Were they lovers in 2018 or not?’

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Actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron’s side are at odds over the timing of their relationship. The ongoing release of evidence and rebuttals from both parties is intensifying the situation.

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The late Kim Sae-ron’s side has taken a bold step by revealing what they claim to be the original KakaoTalk messages. On the 2nd, YouTube channel ‘Garosero Institute’ (‘Gaseyeon’) countered Kim Soo-hyun’s claims of fabricated evidence by releasing what they claimed were some of the original KakaoTalk messages. They stated, “We found five phones, four laptops, and a tablet recently and completed forensic analysis,” and presented the originals of the KakaoTalk messages they had previously reconstructed as images.

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In the released video, Gaseyeon showed KakaoTalk messages dated April 13, 2018, when Kim Sae-ron was 17 years old. In the messages, Kim Sae-ron wrote things like “I miss you and need you, but you’re never there when I need you,” and “If you’re not going to try to stay in touch, I won’t meet up anymore.”

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Previously, Kim Soo-hyun’s side announced they had additionally reported Gaseyeon representative Kim Se-ui for violating the Stalking Punishment Act. Along with this announcement, they reiterated that the videos and KakaoTalk messages disclosed during Kim Sae-ron’s minor years were not indicative of a relationship. Kim Soo-hyun’s side submitted a total of 11 photos (including video captures), and except for two, all were taken when Kim Sae-ron was no longer a minor, at 20 years old, according to them.

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The focus naturally shifted to content that was indeed filmed in 2018. Known as the ‘Soju Date,’ it is a video capturing Kim Sae-ron making (or possibly bringing) chicken stew for Kim Soo-hyun at a location visible from the house, with Kim Soo-hyun eating it. Gaseyeon remarked, “What do you think they did at 11:20 PM with a minor and soju?”

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In response, Kim Soo-hyun’s side admitted, “It is true that the footage was filmed in June 2018,” but claimed, “The location is an apartment in Seongsu-dong where Kim Soo-hyun lived with his family. Kim Sae-ron visited during Kim Soo-hyun’s leave, along with his family. They were not in a romantic relationship at that time.”

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Another piece of evidence appears to be KakaoTalk messages exchanged between Kim Soo-hyun, on leave from military duty, and Kim Sae-ron. In these messages, Kim Sae-ron shows disappointment over the lack of contact and missed meetings, while Kim Soo-hyun apologizes, saying it was his fault.

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Gaseyeon commented, “This is typical behavior of a cheating man,” and Kim Soo-hyun’s side acknowledged, “It is a KakaoTalk conversation between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron.” However, they explained, “They communicated via KakaoTalk during Kim Soo-hyun’s two-week leave in April 2018, but did not meet in person. They were not dating at the time, and began their relationship in the summer of 2019.”

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The statement from Kim Soo-hyun’s side sparked another wave of controversy. While it’s true that someone could visit a home without dating and feel disappointed about not meeting, Kim Sae-ron believed they were in a romantic relationship based on the letter she left and her family’s claims (the family initially declared the relationship lasted from November 19, 2015, to July 7, 2021).

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If they weren’t in a relationship, people are left questioning why they ate together late at night and expressed regret over not meeting, with one side admitting fault.

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If Kim Soo-hyun’s claims are true, was his relationship with minor Kim Sae-ron just a deep friendship without crossing boundaries, or a case of an inappropriate flirtation? Did Kim Soo-hyun maintain this kind of relationship with everyone, while Kim Sae-ron alone perceived it as romantic? Some speculate that if both parties have differing views from their perspectives, their definition of ‘dating’ and ‘lover’ might differ.

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However, this does not resolve the issue. Discrepancies over ‘relationship status’ are common in male-female interactions, but given that one party was a minor in this case, there’s a significant imbalance, necessitating careful consideration. Even if they weren’t dating, based on the videos and KakaoTalk messages that Kim Soo-hyun’s side acknowledges, it’s clear that he appeared to be quite close to Kim Sae-ron, who was not an adult at the time. Since Kim Soo-hyun’s side admitted to the authenticity of the 2018 photos and videos, but again refuted claims of a relationship, determining the nature of the ‘romantic relationship’ has become an even more crucial point in this case.

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[Photo] OSEN DB, Gold Medalist

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