Kim Soo-hyun's downfall? The falsehoods of the late Kim Searon's relatives? 'Never Ending' battle over the truth [First half of the year incidents and accidents]
The Korean entertainment industry is always full of incidents and accidents every year. Events such as drunk driving, drug use, and sexual scandals occur frequently.
But this year is exceptional. From suspicions of dating minors with fellow actors to controversies over the political leanings of popular idol group members, the entertainment industry has been busy in the first half of 2025.
The rumor of actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Saerom's relationship surfaced last March. At the time, when Kim Saerom uploaded a 'selfie' of her cheek-to-cheek with Kim Soo-hyun on her personal SNS, speculation about their relationship began. Moreover, since they were former housemates who had eaten from the same pot at Gold Medalist, the public's interest reached its peak.
However, Kim Soo-hyun's agency immediately refuted the claims. They stated that the rumors about his relationship with Kim Saeron are baseless. The agency mentioned, "We have no idea about the intention behind Kim Saeron's actions in this situation." They added that due to the photos, Kim Soo-hyun has been unfairly accused and his reputation has been damaged, and they declared that they will strongly respond to malicious posts.
As previously mentioned, Kim Saeron had been caught drink-driving in Hakdong Intersection in Gangnam District, Seoul in May 2022, causing an accident. She was subsequently sentenced to a fine of 20 million won the following year and had been in self-imposed seclusion since then. Therefore, her reputation has started to decline even more sharply.
In March of this year, two years after that, the situation completely reversed. The YouTube channel 'Cross Talk Research Institute' (hereinafter referred to as 'CCTV') revealed through a live broadcast that "Kim Saeron has been in a relationship with Kim Soohyun since she was a minor." Additionally, it was claimed that after the end of her contract with the Gold Medalist, Kim Saeron received a certificate demanding 700 million won, causing her psychological distress.
Evidence was also presented. 'Gaseyan' completely disclosed photos and videos containing Kim Soo-hyun's private life. In response, Kim Soo-hyun's side reported to the police that they would counterattack by suing both the Kimsaeron family and 'Gaseyan' for charges of violating the Act on the Promotion and Protection of Information and Communication Networks (defamation of character). Regarding 'Gaseyan', they additionally reported a violation of the stalking punishment law.
In addition, Kim Soo-hyun held an emergency press conference in May to refute 'Gaseyeon' side's claims one by one. He stated that he started dating Kim Saeron after they became adults, and the evidence provided by 'Gaseyeon' were manipulated according to the analysis results of scientific verification agencies.
The mud-slinging between both sides is ongoing. Subsequently, the 'Gaseon' side released additional audio recordings containing Kim Saeron's voice and a high-content video that Kim Soohyun allegedly passed on to Kim Saeron, while Kim Soohyun's side strongly refuted these pieces of evidence, claiming they were "forged using AI DeepVoice and the like."
The 21st presidential election was held on June 3rd. Because it is a sensitive issue for influential celebrities to openly display their political stance, during election seasons, they strictly prohibit 'thumbs up' or 'V sign' gestures in official settings or broadcasts.
However, during this election season, some celebrities, including Karina, a member of the girl group ESPA, were embroiled in political controversy. On the 27th of last month, Karina posted several 'selfies' taken on the streets of Japan on her personal SNS, accompanied by a red rose emoji. In the photos, Karina is seen wearing a jacket with red stripes and the number '2' on it. The red color and the number 2 could not help but evoke thoughts of a specific political party, leading to immediate controversy. This year's presidential election was dubbed the 'Rose Election,' which further fueled the suspicions.
Ultimately, Karina deleted the post just one hour after uploading it. The next day, her agency, SM Entertainment, released an official statement saying, "It was merely a post with everyday content and had no other purpose or intention." Karina herself also mentioned on the fan communication platform, "I didn't have such intentions, but I thought I needed to speak up because the misunderstanding has become too big. From now on, I will be more careful in my actions."
On the day after Kaari Na published her statement, last month on the 29th, rapper Vinzino uploaded several selfies wearing red-colored outfits to his personal SNS, mentioning it was "World Burgundy Day." Vinzino showcased various accessories and food items featuring burgundy colors, including shorts, a vest, a bandana, a hat, and a tart.
As the controversy continued, Binjino also deleted the post. He also stated, "I really had no political intention. During the advance voting period, I realize that the timing could have led to misunderstanding, and I didn't take enough care. From now on, I will think and act more cautiously with each expression."
In addition, TV personality Hong Jin-kyung posted a photo on her personal SNS wearing red clothes the day before the presidential election on June 2nd, and received significant criticism for allegedly revealing political colors. Hong Jin-kyung also lowered her head after deleting the post, saying, "I didn't think about the color of the top I was wearing at that time. I must have lost my composure. Regardless of the reason, I admit I was wrong. I sincerely apologize once again for causing confusion in everyone's hearts during this sensitive period."
The 'K-pop market' has seen a historic event. Finally, the boy group BTS has completed their military service obligations and returned to their fans. It's been 2 years and 6 months since they were 'complete'.
BTS entered a "military hiatus" starting in December 2022 with Jin, the eldest member, enlisting in the army. Following this, J-Hope enlisted in April 2023, followed by RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook who all enlisted as active-duty soldiers in December of the same year. Suga began his alternative service as a social service officer starting September 2023.
Jin was the first member to be discharged, following the same order of entry. Jin was discharged in June last year, Jung Hoseok in October of the same year, RM and V were discharged on the 10th of this month, and Jimin and Jungkook were discharged on the 11th of this month. Suga was also discharged on the 21st of this month.
BTS members were all present at Jungkook's world tour encore concert held on the 13th at the main stadium of Goyang Gymnasium in Goyang, Gyonggi-do, drawing attention. It was a moment that made everyone realize that the group's 'full team' comeback is just around the corner.
Currently, it is speculated in the music industry that BTS's new album release could be as early as the second half of this year, or as late as the first half of next year.
Big Hit Music's parent company HYBE CEO Lee Jaeshik stated at the regular shareholders' meeting in March, "After BTS members complete their military service and return, they will need time to prepare and work on their activities. The company is also preparing in discussions with top-tier composers, but the careful consideration and preparation of the BTS members are necessary."
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