K-drama actor Kim Soo-hyun has been at the center of controversy after initially denying, then later admitting to dating the late actress Kim Sae-ron. In an official statement via GOLD MEDALIST, the actor confirmed their relationship but maintained that it lasted from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020—when both were consenting adults.

However, according to Kim Sae-ron's bereaved family, who, through the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, presented conflicting claims. They stated that the relationship began much earlier, in November 2015, when she was just 15. With such discrepancies in the timeline and no one to clarify these claims, legal experts were asked if Kim Soo-hyun could face legal repercussions.

Despite public calls for legal action, attorney Lee Go-eun said, "The fact that they were in a relationship alone would not be sufficient for prosecution," according to YTN Korean news channel.

While Kim Sae-ron reportedly claimed in an unreleased statement that she and Kim Soo-hyun began dating on November 19, 2015, South Korean law at the time did not classify a 15-year-old as a "minor" in cases of consensual relationships, making legal action uncertain. 

The attorney added, "Before the 2020 revision, the law only applied to minors under the age of 13. This means that in 2015, when Kim Sae-ron was 15-years old, the previous law was still in effect. Because the previous laws only applied to minors under the age of 13, the fact that they were simply in a relationship at the time would not be sufficient grounds for legal punishment." 

According to the attorney, "Because she was 15 at the time, in order to legally punish Kim Soo-hyun for a sexual offense involving a minor, there must be proof of sexual contact or relations. Given what information has been revealed so far, it seems difficult to press criminal charges against him for a sexual offense involving a minor." 

She concluded saying, "Therefore, it would be difficult to establish criminal liability under the current legal framework unless there is concrete evidence of sexual acts. Simply being in a relationship with a minor is not enough to bring charges against Kim Soo-hyun under the old law". 

While Kim Sae-ron's alleged family members claim the relationship began in November 2015 and lasted until July 2021, Kim Soo-hyun's side insists they dated between summer 2019 and autumn 2020, after she had reached legal adulthood. As the debate unfolds, the public awaits further clarification and potential legal action.

Amid the controversy, Kim Soo-hyun, who was the face of 19 brands, is now losing endorsements one by one as companies distance themselves from the scandal.   

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