After initially releasing two statements that vehemently denied any romantic involvement between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron, Gold Medalist, the agency co-owned by the actor, has now confirmed that they did indeed date. The agency's acknowledgment came just one day after Kim Sae Ron's mother spoke briefly with Garasero Research Institute, the YouTube channel that had exposed the relationship.

Although Gold Medalist has admitted to the relationship, they strongly denied allegations of it involving a minor. Kim Sae Ron’s aunt had previously claimed in an interview with Garasero that they began dating when Kim Soo Hyun was 27 and Kim Sae Ron was just 15. However, the agency clarified that the two were involved from the summer of 2019 to autumn 2020, during which both were adults. They also refuted claims regarding a controversial photo, stating that it was actually taken in winter 2020, not when she was a minor as initially suggested.

While the agency had initially planned to release a statement the following week, they adjusted their schedule due to Kim Soo Hyun’s mental health concerns, which have been exacerbated by the intense media attention surrounding the scandal.

Fans on social media have since scrutinized the agency's statement and pointed out several inconsistencies, particularly regarding their claim that an intimate photo of the couple was taken in 2020.

During Garasero’s third live broadcast on March 12, a photo was revealed showing Kim Soo Hyun kissing Kim Sae Ron on the cheek. In the image, Kim Soo Hyun is seen wearing glasses with a black frame and a black cap.

Chinese netizens quickly unearthed an old airport photo of Kim Soo Hyun from 2015, where he wore the same glasses and cap, and his style closely matched that in the photo that recently went viral. Additionally, they claimed that these glasses were a gift given to Kim Soo Hyun by his Chinese fans in 2013 as part of a birthday project. Sharing the proof, one X user wrote, "Chinese fans are fast. Who are you fooling, you pedo f****r?"

Chinese fans are fast. Who are you fooling you pedo fucker#KimSaeron #KimSooHyun pic.twitter.com/9i5OiS6UWj

— Carissa Danielle (@cdanielle973) March 14, 2025

Another photo showing the two posing intimately was analyzed by fans, who pointed out that Kim Soo Hyun had a mole above his left eyebrow in the image, but it was absent in his pictures from 2019-2020.

hello??? there are literally zero photos of him with this mole in 2019-2021. unless someone can find me one https://t.co/J2vYjlQeRp pic.twitter.com/9A6D7Y6Amc

— rin ౨ৎ (@geewonfiles) March 14, 2025

Gold Medalist’s statement also addressed letters Kim Soo Hyun sent from the military, explaining that the letters were simply friendly gestures during his adjustment to military life. They emphasized that the phrase “I miss you” was a common expression among friends in the military and that Kim Sae Ron’s public nickname, “Saero Nero,” was erroneously framed as something exclusive to their relationship.

In response, Garasero strongly criticized the agency's statement, questioning, "He claimed the letter was just a friendly expression? Was it just a friendly expression when someone said, 'I love you~ I miss you~' to a minor?" They also threatened to release more intimate photos and videos, hinting that these upcoming revelations would be far more revealing than anything previously shared.

Garasero added, "Kim Soo Hyun, if that’s the case, we’ll release all the photos and videos today that can't even be compared to what has been released so far."

GaroSero: He said: the letter was just an expression between acquaintances ? Would anyone say “I love you~ I miss you~” to a minor like that #KimSoohyun
If that’s the case ..then today we will release all the photos & vids that cannot be compared to what was previously released pic.twitter.com/QURQ1zvSJB

— Bee🐝 (@Beevl__) March 14, 2025

Netizens on social media have been expressing skepticism towards Gold Medalist's claims due to the company's initial denials and subsequent admission of Kim Soo Hyun's relationship with Kim Sae Ron. The company's previous threats of "strong legal action" have also been met with doubt.

Meanwhile, according to multiple K-media reports, the actor is facing boycott calls in South Korea, with his billboards being pulled down. He has also lost brand deals and Instagram followers amid the scandal.