On March 31, profiler Bae Sang-hoon shared his analysis of Kim Soo-hyun’s press conference on his channel. He particularly scoffed at the ‘KakaoTalk analysis report’ that Kim Soo-hyun presented as evidence, claiming that the alleged messages released by Kim Sae-ron’s bereaved family as proof of an underage relationship were fabricated.

“It Felt More Like a Scripted Monologue Than a Confession”

“I expected a certain level of honesty and remorse from Kim Soo-hyun’s press conference, but I was deeply disappointed. It didn’t seem sincere at all. He insists that they knew each other but didn’t date until adulthood. That’s something he can say, but it sounds immature almost like sophistry. Wouldn’t it have been better to be more straightforward?”

Bae Sang-hoon noted that Kim Soo-hyun’s emotional tone — tearfully speaking while confidently presenting rebuttals and video evidence — raised suspicions.

“Many people have pointed out that despite his emotional outburst and near-tears, he managed to say everything he needed to say. Can we usually convey emotions and content at the same time like that? That’s why people suspect it was just acting. I don’t know for sure, but from his perspective, he had to express his grievances, refute claims, show evidence, and provide explanations… But the presentation was poor.”

“He Portrayed Himself as the Victim”

Bae Sang-hoon criticized the format of the press conference:

“Kim Soo-hyun should have focused on expressing his remorse toward the deceased, while someone from his agency should have handled the rebuttal evidence. Because he addressed everything himself, people were left thinking, ‘What is he doing?’ It was uncomfortable to watch.”

He also criticized Kim Soo-hyun for portraying himself as a victim:

“Kim Soo-hyun emphasized his status as a ‘star’ and spoke about protecting those around him, but ultimately, it’s just self-justification.

His advertisements are getting pulled, and his image is suffering, so now he says, ‘I did what I had to do back then.’ But if he sincerely dated a young woman for a year, wasn’t he responsible for her? She was alive at the time, and his actions may have made things even harder for her. Now, he protects those around him while discarding his ex? That’s too calculated. Even if he cries and appears emotional, people will still think, ‘Isn’t he just putting on a show?’ and he has no real defense against that perception.

If he continues like this, the controversy will only grow.”

KakaoTalk Analysis Laughed Off by Experts

Kim Soo-hyun’s team had presented a private analysis report to argue that the 2016 and 2018 KakaoTalk messages came from two different individuals. However, Bae Sang-hoon dismissed this as pseudo-science and PR spin.

“Kim Soo-hyun’s team entrusted the analysis of these messages to a private statement analysis center rather than a public institution,” he said. “It’s not a national agency. Frankly, I don’t even trust forensic institutions like the National Institute of Scientific Investigation completely. I’ve repeatedly pointed out how incompetent and sloppy so-called ‘experts’ appearing on shows like ‘Unanswered Questions’ can be. And yet, one of those so-called experts has appeared in this case as well.

Simply put, Kim Soo-hyun’s side paid for an analysis, and the result was provided. Their claim that ‘four statement analysts reached a conclusion’ means nothing. Another analysis could yield a completely different result—even the exact opposite. Don’t be misled. The analysis was so flawed that even Kim Se-ui from Garosero Research Institute immediately refuted and mocked it. Honestly, I was embarrassed for anyone claiming to be a ‘statement analysis expert.

He went on to criticize the rise of “TV experts” — individuals labeled as professionals on reality or investigative shows — and expressed concern that public trust in real science and investigation is being undermined by media-created authority figures.

“Proper analysis requires solid evidence. The same people who failed to accurately analyze figures like Jo Joo-bin (the Nth Room case leader) are now presenting themselves as experts again. This cycle keeps repeating, which is why public trust in so-called ‘experts’ created by the media is declining.

I’m not saying they’re all frauds or completely incompetent. But can their claims be objectively verified? Are they scientifically reliable? I have doubts.”

The Fallout Isn’t Over Yet

Bae Sang-hoon, who emphasized that he has no interest in the feud between Kim Soo-hyun and Garosero Research Institute, concluded that the controversy is far from over.

“I just wanted to point out the flaws in scientific investigations and media-made experts. Have they undergone sufficient training to be called professionals? I have serious doubts.

This controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun will continue. He brought it upon himself. I don’t want to comment further, but if he doesn’t bring closure to this issue, the controversy will only escalate.”

While Kim Soo-hyun’s press conference may have been an attempt to regain control over a spiraling narrative, it seems to have only deepened public skepticism — especially among those looking past the tears and into the subtext of damage control.