Kim Soo Hyun may not face criminal charges as petition for law reform hits 40,000 signatures, expert weighs in

Kim Soo Hyun may avoid charges

According to attorney Park Sung Bae, who spoke to YTN’s News UP, Kim Soo Hyun, during his recent press conference, showed signs of being more concerned about psychological stress than any industrial relationship damage or financial issues. The expert pointed out that the constant release of alleged evidence might be weighing heavily on him mentally. “The family has been gradually releasing evidence suggesting an underage relationship, which likely pressured Kim Soo Hyun,” Park said (via KBIzoom). “Beyond any potential damage to his industry ties or finances, the bigger toll seems to be psychological.” Speaking about Soo Hyun’s tone during the press conference, Park said, “His confident tone suggests he believes he can refute the allegations with prepared counter-evidence.”

Also read: Did Kim Sae Ron try to break up with Kim Soo Hyun? Alleged chat shows her frustration: ‘Oppa, when you miss me…’

The Kim Soo Hyun Prevention Act is advocating for significant changes in how South Korea addresses statutory rape cases, particularly those involving minors aged 16 to 18, a group currently insufficiently protected by existing laws. Right now, the law only considers it statutory rape if the victim is between 13 and 16 years old. But the petition demands the protection be extended to anyone under 19 and that punishments get tougher too. “We propose raising the age limit to 13–19 and increasing the minimum sentence to at least five years in prison,” the petitioner wrote.

The petition directly mentions Kim Soo Hyun’s name and blames a legal loophole that allegedly allowed him to have a relationship with Kim Sae Ron without facing any legal action. It’s also demanding a longer prison sentence than the current two-year minimum for statutory rape, asking for a five-year minimum instead. One line from the petition reads, “A pedophile who seduced and deceived a promising female actress from childhood until her death has evaded the law… We hereby petition to revise the statutory rape law under the name of the ‘Kim Soo Hyun Prevention Act.’”

Also read: Did Kim Soo Hyun use fake chat accounts to talk to Kim Sae Ron? GaroSero hits back with new photos and FaceTime records

But legally, things are complicated. Attorney Park Sung Bae said the case might not reach courts at all. “Whether Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor is unlikely to become a core legal issue,” he said. “The family cannot hold him fully accountable, yet the debate has unexpectedly centered on this.” Park added that while screenshots and messages have gone viral online, they may not be enough to prove him wrong in a courtroom. “If a person aged 19 or older has sexual contact with someone aged 13–16, that counts as statutory rape,” he clarified. “But without her testimony or stronger proof, the case may not go anywhere.” The legal expert also added that since Sae Ron is no longer alive, it’s almost impossible for the police to carry out a proper investigation either. ““Even if Kim Soo Hyun is accused, the likelihood of punishment remains low unless stronger evidence emerges.”