The scandal surrounding Kim Soo Hyun continues to intensify, as eight friends of the late Kim Sae Ron are reportedly preparing a formal statement claiming they were aware of her romantic relationship with the actor while she was still a minor.

According to TV Chosun’s “Case File” aired on April 1, the legal representative of Kim Sae Ron’s family expressed disappointment following Kim Soo Hyun’s March 31 press conference, where he firmly denied dating the actress during her underage years.

“We hoped Kim Soo Hyun would offer a sincere apology,” the lawyer stated. “But there was no apology directed toward the bereaved family at all.”

Friends Say They Knew the Truth

The family’s lawyer revealed that at least eight friends of Kim Sae Ron were aware of her alleged relationship with Kim Soo Hyun during her teenage years. After watching the actor’s press conference, they reportedly felt frustrated and are now in the process of drafting a public statement, which may be released soon.

“Even if he had said, ‘We had feelings for each other when she was a minor, but started dating after she became an adult,’ that would have been more honest,” the family said. “We don’t understand why he’s denying everything.”

Kim Soo Hyun’s Denial and Backlash

At the March 31 press conference held in Seoul, Kim Soo Hyun denied all allegations, stating,

“I did not date the deceased while she was a minor. Our relationship began when she was legally an adult and lasted for about a year. Claims that she took her own life due to pressure from me or my agency are also untrue.”

He added that denying the relationship in the past was a choice made as the “star Kim Soo Hyun,” a remark that many netizens criticized as insensitive and narcissistic, particularly in light of Kim Sae Ron’s tragic passing.

“To call himself a ‘star’ and say he’d make the same choice again even after someone has died — that’s shocking,” one netizen commented.

Legal Retaliation and Ongoing Tension

Following the press conference, Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representative, lawyer Kim Jong Bok, confirmed that they had filed criminal complaints for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act against Kim Sae Ron’s family members, an unnamed woman claiming to be her aunt, and Garo Sero Institute operator Kim Se Ui.

In addition, a civil lawsuit totaling 12 billion KRW in damages has been submitted to the Seoul Central District Court.

What’s Next?

If the friends of Kim Sae Ron proceed with their public statement — especially if corroborated by personal messages, photos, or firsthand accounts — it could significantly challenge Kim Soo Hyun’s narrative and reshape the public’s perception.

As both sides escalate with legal strategies and emotional testimonies, the case continues to evolve — now not only as a legal issue, but also as a reflection of power dynamics, trust, and truth in the entertainment industry.

One thing is clear: this controversy is far from over, and the next few weeks could be crucial in determining where the public and legal judgment ultimately falls.