A worrying parallel emerges
While the controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun continues to take place, many are making comparisons between his situation and that of the deceased Lee Sun Kyun. Both actors were at the top of the Korean entertainment sector before being swallowed by the scandal.
Lee Sun Kyun, an internationally acclaimed actor, starred in the film winning the Oscar Parasite (2019), which brought global recognition to Korean cinema. In the meantime, Kim Soo Hyun is currently the most paid actor in Korea, commanding over 600 million krw for episode in dramas such as Queen of Tears.
However, despite their imposing careers, both found themselves at the center of the intense media control, raising fears that Kim Soo Hyun could undergo the same tragic fate as Lee Sun Kyun.
The role of the Garosero Research Institute
A key actor in both scandals is the controversial YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, known for the exhibition of celebrities.
In December 2023, the channel published a telephone registration involving a drug case against Lee Sun Kyun. The reaction was quick and serious, leading to police investigations, negative printing and widespread public criticism. Just a day later, on December 27, 2023, Lee Sun Kyun was found dead in his car, with suspected CO2 poisoning. Many have blamed Garosero Research Institute, calling them “the last drop” which led to his tragic death.
Now, in March 2025, the channel is again at the center of an important scandal. They said that Kim Soo Hyun attended the deceased Kim Sae Ron when he was only 15 and even interviewed his family.
However, the Kim Soo Hyun agency, gold medal, strongly denied the statements, calling them “completely false” and promising a legal action.
Public pressure and mental health problems
Despite his fame, Kim Soo Hyun has always maintained a private and low -profile life lifestyle. Unlike many other main actors, until now it has largely avoided controversies.
The current media storm and public backlash raise concerns about its mental and emotional well -being. This situation strangely reflects what Lee Sun Kyun has endured in his last few months. Before his disappearance, Lee was bombed by accusations, police investigations and incessant hatred online, leaving him isolated and deeply distressed. Now, Kim Soo Hyun is experiencing a similar level of control, and many fear that he too can fight to resist pressure.
Will the story repeat itself?
Both Lee Sun Kyun and Kim Soo Hyun were at the height of their career before being affected by controversy. Lee, an actor recognized globally, was a key figure in the first Korean film to win the best Oscar film, while Kim is the most paid actor in the country with a vast base of international fans.
However, fame offers little protection from the explanation of the ruthless media. The tragic case of Lee Sun Kyun acts as a warning of how unchanged items, public backlash and incessant media coverage can have devastating consequences.
While the situation takes place, the question remains: Kim Soo Hyun will be able to free his name and survive this scandal, or will he become the next victim of a ruthless industry?
