Kim Soo Hyun Prevention Act: Press Ethics Panel Warns 25 Media Outlets Over Irresponsible Reporting Amid Dating Rumors with Kim Sae Ron

The Korea Press Ethics Commission has issued a formal warning to 25 media outlets for their coverage of a petition-driven legal proposal—dubbed the "Kim Soo Hyun Prevention Act"—linked to the dating rumors between actor Kim Soo Hyun and actress Kim Sae Ron. The controversy arose following unverified claims of an inappropriate relationship between the two, prompting calls for reform in South Korea’s statutory sexual crime laws.

Misuse of Kim Soo Hyun’s Name Triggers Official Warning

According to a report by SBS Entertainment News, the Commission held its 997th meeting and found that the mentioned outlets had violated journalistic standards by using Kim Soo Hyun’s name in sensational headlines. The use of his name in connection with the petition, which seeks to raise the age of consent, was deemed potentially defamatory and emotionally damaging.

Breach of Ethical Journalism Standards

The outlets were found to have breached Article 10 (Principles of Titles) and Article 11 (Respect for Honor and Credit) of the Korean press ethics code. One headline cited as an example by the commission read: “Kim Soo Hyun's grooming sexual crime against Kim Sae Ron, who was a minor, was revealed and angered the public.” The commission criticized such phrasing for unfairly portraying the actor as guilty despite no verified evidence or legal findings.

One-Sided Reporting and Its Consequences

The Commission emphasized the danger of presenting unverified, one-sided claims as fact, particularly in matters as sensitive as sexual misconduct allegations. It clarified that referencing the petition or naming the bill after Kim Soo Hyun without verified evidence can lead to public misjudgment and reputational harm.

“This kind of reporting risks stigmatizing individuals as criminals when facts have not been confirmed,” the Commission stated, urging media platforms to exercise caution and prioritize journalistic integrity.

A Call for Ethical Reporting

This case has reignited discussions around the responsibilities of the media when handling sensitive legal and personal issues. The warning serves as a strong reminder to uphold press ethics to avoid damaging the lives and reputations of public figures through sensational or speculative coverage.