Can Kim Soo-Hyun be punished under South Korean law for his relationship with "Minor" Kim Sae-Ron?

Following the death of actress Kim Sae Ron, Queen of Tears actor Kim Soo Hyun has become the focus of a rising controversy.

Allegations from Kim Sae Ron’s family about a previous connection between the two performers while the actress was a “minor” have prompted uproar on social media, with many asking for Kim Soo Hyun’s ouster from the entertainment business.

Can Kim Soo-Hyun be punished under South Korean law for his relationship with “Minor” Kim Sae-Ron?

Legal experts have commented on the probable repercussions for Kim Soo Hyun. Engaging in sexual actions with a juvenile under the age of 16, even with permission, is punishable as statutory rape or sexual misconduct under South Korean legislation, which was amended in May 2020.

However, Attorney Lee Go Eun told YTN that the case is complicated by timing: “Because Kim Sae Ron was 15 at the time (in 2015), the older version of the law would apply.” Under that statute, criminal prosecutions for statutory rape or misbehavior required the youngster to be under the age of thirteen.”

The attorney went on to say that simply being in a relationship would not be enough to justify prosecution. Given that the prior legislation applies in this situation, establishing criminal responsibility will be difficult until solid evidence of sexual actions is shown.”

Conflicting chronological accounts have surfaced, escalating the debate. According to YouTube account HoverLab, Kim Soo Hyun began dating Kim Sae Ron in 2015, when he was 27 and she was 15.

Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, first refuted the allegations. However, after HoverLab shared unseen images of the two performers together, the agency conceded that a connection did exist – but claimed it happened between summer 2019 and fall 2020, after Kim Sae Ron had become an adult.

Kim Sae-Ron was discovered deceased at her home in Seoul on February 16. According to the Seongdong Police, the actress committed suicide. According to Kim Sae-Ron’s aunt, the actress committed herself under the burden of “not being able to pay back $483,000 to Kim Soo-hyun”

Kim Soo Hyun, presently one of South Korea’s highest-paid actors, catapulted to worldwide prominence with blockbuster shows such as My Love From The Star (2013-14) and The Producers (2015), which garnered him three Daesang (Grand Prize) honors.

His broad filmography includes famous dramas like Moon Embracing The Sun, Hotel Del Luna, and It’s Okay To Not Be Okay.