Opinion | Kim Soo-hyun: Victim of an Out-of-Control Media Controversy

Personally, I find it impossible to look at what’s happening with Kim Soo-hyun without feeling a mix of indignation and concern. For over a decade, the actor has built an exemplary career, recognized not only in South Korea but across Asia. Yet, in a matter of weeks, his name has been dragged into a media storm that feels more like a public lynching than a serious search for the truth.

What began as rumors about a supposed inappropriate relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron has evolved into a public spectacle full of leaks, questionable recordings, and headlines crafted to sell rather than inform. This raises an important question: can we truly speak of guilt when there is no clear, verifiable evidence?

Allegations without solid proof

So far, no official evidence confirms the most serious claims. What exists are screenshots, audio recordings, and photographs whose authenticity has been repeatedly questioned. Even the actor’s agency has warned that some of these “proofs” could have been digitally manipulated or created with artificial intelligence. In the age of deepfakes, this possibility is very real.

Without solid evidence, the reputational damage Kim Soo-hyun has suffered is disproportionate.

A perfect target due to fame

Kim Soo-hyun is not just any public figure: he is one of the most influential actors in Asia. His image, associated with excellence and integrity, makes him a tempting target for sensationalism. I can’t help but wonder how much of this scandal is based on facts and how much is driven by the need to exploit his name for clicks, relevance, or even profit.

Grief turned into spectacle

The death of Kim Sae-ron was undoubtedly a tragedy. What is concerning is how that legitimate human grief has been used to fuel a narrative of a pre-fabricated “culprit.” By portraying Soo-hyun as responsible, some media outlets seem more interested in sustaining controversy than in respecting her memory or understanding what truly happened.

A firm response, not evasive

What convinces me most that Kim Soo-hyun is the victim here is his reaction. Rather than hiding or remaining silent, he and his agency have taken legal action, filing defamation suits and demanding investigations. That is not typical behavior for someone with something to hide—it is the behavior of someone confident that the truth supports them.

Looking beyond the scandal

If, as suspected, some of the evidence has been manipulated, we are facing an alarming case of defamation. Soo-hyun has lost contracts, peace of mind, and prestige due to a media machine that, in the absence of solid facts, did not hesitate to manufacture a villain.

In my opinion, Kim Soo-hyun is undeniably the true victim of this story. A victim of a media system that often values sensationalism over truth, and of a digital society that condemns before listening