A private and partially explicit photo of South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun has gone viral online, intensifying the ongoing controversy surrounding his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron.
The photo, which appears to show a man resembling Kim doing dishes with his lower body exposed and censored, allegedly originated from the controversial YouTube channel HoverLab (also known as Garosero Research Institute).
The release follows recent claims by Kim Sae Ron’s family, who accused Kim Soo Hyun of maintaining a relationship with her since she was a minor—an allegation his agency, Gold Medalist, strongly denies. In an earlier statement, the agency acknowledged the relationship but insisted it only began after Kim Sae Ron reached adulthood.
As the scandal unfolded, HoverLab threatened to release additional compromising material unless Kim Soo Hyun issued a public apology. However, Kim Sae Ron’s mother recently stated that she would no longer authorise the release of further private images out of concern for Kim Soo Hyun’s well-being.
In response to the leak, Gold Medalist released a formal statement expressing condolences to Kim Sae Ron’s grieving family while condemning the unauthorised sharing of sensitive content. “We express our deepest regret toward the pain that the deceased had to endure,” the agency wrote, adding that “differences in opinion” have fuelled the current conflict.
The agency further called for restraint and a respectful resolution, inviting Kim Sae Ron’s mother to a private meeting. “We urge an end to public disputes out of respect for the deceased and her family,” Gold Medalist stated, reaffirming its commitment to transparency while prioritising the emotional health of all parties involved.
