A year ago, the dating rumor between actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron, which was dismissed as "groundless," has been reversed. While the late Kim was the first to receive backlash, the truth was separate.

On the 14th, Kim Soo-hyun's agency Gold Medalist acknowledged the past relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron in an urgent statement, stating it occurred from the summer of 2019 to the autumn of 2020. Through an exclusive report by OSEN, the reason for denying the initial dating rumor last year as "groundless" has been revealed. In conclusion, it is because "both individuals, as celebrities, found it virtually impossible to acknowledge their breakup from four years ago."

# Back then, it was 'groundless'

The dating rumor between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron first emerged last March when Kim Sae-ron posted a photo with Kim Soo-hyun on her personal social media and deleted it moments later. However, the photo rapidly spread, leading to dating rumors.

In the photo at that time, the two displayed an unmistakable romantic atmosphere. Kim Sae-ron was seen winking while Kim Soo-hyun appeared relaxed with his cheek pressed against her, conveying a sense of familiarity beyond mere friendship, which triggered the dating rumors among netizens.

However, Gold Medalist's official response was "groundless." This seemed to conclude the scandal, perceived as an ambiguous "light-cutting" incident involving Kim Sae-ron. Additionally, there was strong criticism against Kim Sae-ron due to a drunk driving incident. Ultimately, Kim Sae-ron faced backlash for allegedly fabricating dating rumors during her period of reflection after the drunk driving incident.

# Now, they say 'yes'

However, in the urgent statement released on the 14th, Gold Medalist reversed its previous official response. It confirmed that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were indeed past lovers, specifying their dating period from the summer of 2019 to the autumn of 2020. It revealed that they dated after Kim Sae-ron became an adult.

Recently, allegations of "grooming crimes" regarding the dating relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron during her minor years have been raised. This move is seen as an attempt to refute claims made by the "Garoseoro Research Institute," which have been vehemently asserted. There is an impression that this is a desperate measure. Nevertheless, questions were raised about the background of the changed position.

In response, a representative from Gold Medalist acknowledged the reversal of the position to OSEN. They explained, "When the dating rumor emerged last year, four years had already passed since both parties had broken up." They also stated, "Given that both are celebrities, it was virtually impossible to acknowledge the breakup from four years ago."

# Who really lied?

The explanation is insufficient. Nevertheless, Gold Medalist has been extremely reserved outside of the official expressions in the urgent statement. They seem to be wary of even the slightest statements being misinterpreted.

Of course, the claims made by the "Garoseoro Research Institute" against Kim Soo-hyun are actually one-sided at a bombarding level. The explanations also twist cleverly into fake news. For instance, regarding a photo of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron kissing on the cheek, which was claimed to be from "the winter of 2020," they argue that it contradicts the statement of having dated until the autumn of 2020. However, Kim Soo-hyun's side has explained that the photo in question is from "the early winter of 2020."

Nevertheless, the intense distrust and critical viewpoint towards Kim Soo-hyun's side are heightened due to the cost of the initial lie. Simply hiding it with the term "reversal" fails to conceal that, in reality, the first dating rumor a year ago was met with Kim Soo-hyun's side claiming it was "groundless." As various suspicions deepen the chasm of distrust, the voice of truth that is revealed belatedly struggles to gain momentum. Meanwhile, the "Garoseoro Research Institute" continues to expose information by using the bereaved families, while Gold Medalist maintains its stance on legal action for defamation due to false facts. The selective information amid the tug-of-war of truth, which resembles parallel lines, is exacerbating the confusion.

[Photo] OSEN DB, provided by Gold Medalist.

[OSEN]