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The timing of IU’s dialogue, coupled with the allegations against Kim Soo Hyun, ignited a social media frenzy.
As soon as the screenshot went viral, it sparked widespread discussions. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
A single line from IU’s latest K-drama has taken the Internet by storm, coinciding with serious allegations against Kim Soo Hyun. The controversy erupted when Kim Sae Ron’s aunt accused the actor of being responsible for the late actress’s tragic passing. The claims, made on YouTuber Kim Se Ui’s channel Garosero Research Institute, quickly gained traction online. According to her aunt, Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron were in a relationship that began in 2015—when she was just 15 and he was 27—and allegedly lasted for six years until 2021.
As the internet reeled from these revelations, a moment from IU’s drama When Life Gives You Tangerines went viral. In the scene, IU’s character pointedly asks, “Then why is an adult marrying a child?” The timing of this quote, coinciding with the accusations against Kim Soo Hyun, was enough to set social media ablaze.
The irony wasn’t lost on social media users. The moment the screenshot spread, discussions erupted. Many pointed out how fitting the line seemed in light of the scandal. Others, however, rushed to IU’s defence, arguing that friendships don’t always mean complete awareness of each other’s personal lives.
“The answer to those who doubt her is she was bff with Sulli (who KSH threw under the bus on his flops movie), yet also a close friend to KSH,” one fan wrote.
The answer to those who doubt her bcs she was bff with sulli (who ksh threw under the bus on his flops movie), yet also a close friemd to ksh— remember moi (@mementomolli) March 11, 2025
“Some keep on saying ‘they’re friends’ and so?? That doesn’t mean she knows everything that’s been going on in his life. Even boy group members who have been living and hanging out together since their debut have no idea that one member is outside their group,” another viewer pointed out.
some qrts keep on saying “they’re friends” and so?? that doesn’t mean she knows everything that’s been going on in his life. even boy group members who have been living and hanging out together since their debut have no idea that one member is a 🍇st outside their group. https://t.co/PP0OTpGsmg— istanu (@itsayuuuuuu) March 11, 2025
“The way I let out a loud ‘OOOUUUUUUU’ when she said this. She clocked him so good,” someone else reacted.
The way i let out a loud “OOOUUUUUUU” when she said this she clocked him so good 😭— Lara 🤍 (@ItafvshiTruther) March 11, 2025
Adding more fuel to the fire, resurfaced comments from Kim Soo Hyun regarding relationships with younger women have only intensified the backlash. The combination of past statements and the shocking claims has left fans and critics divided.
Another layer to the controversy is Kim Sae Ron’s alleged involvement with Kim Soo Hyun’s management company, GOLD MEDALIST. The late actress was reportedly instrumental in shaping the company, offering free labour by scouting new talent and even providing acting lessons. Despite their split in 2022, Kim Soo Hyun and GOLD MEDALIST continued to support her following her drunk driving incident, reports Koreaboo.
In response to the allegations, GOLD MEDALIST has strongly denied all claims, warning that legal action will be taken against any defamatory remarks involving both Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron. The controversy, however, shows no signs of slowing down, as the internet remains abuzz with debate over the ongoing scandal.