On March 12, 2025 (KST), YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (also known as Garo Sero Institute, simply Garo Sero, or even Gaseyeon) revealed more evidence to expose actor Kim Soo Hyun‘s inappropriate relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron, who was 12 years younger and a minor when they dated.
One of the pieces of evidence revealed was a handwritten letter that Kim Soo Hyun had sent Kim Sae Ron on June 9, 2018—when he was enlisted and serving his military duty. Based on the date and the two stars’ birthdates, Kim Soo Hyun wrote this letter as a 30-year-old soldier to 17-year-old Kim Sae Ron.
Addressing her by the nickname “Saero-Nero,” Kim Soo Hyun penned about his day as a soldier. After getting absurdly poetic about the weather and rambling about the things he saw on base…
“2018. 6. 9 Saero-Nero,
Today, the weather was so unpredictable that I felt like I was being tossed around in all directions this wonderful Saturday. What a great day for writing something and thinking about you, Saero-Nero.
This morning, in the foggy haze, I wondered, ‘What kind of a day will it be today…?’ Caught up in that feeling, I went straight to the noraebang (karaoke) and tried some Shin Seung Hoon songs, butchered them, and got in trouble for doing him disgrace…
Maybe an hour or so later, the sun started blazing—the same sun that messed with my skin. I thought, ‘This is a sign.’ So, I grabbed some oil and went up to the helipad. Tanned both sides. After an hour, I couldn’t handle it anymore because it got too hot. Then, I ate some lunch and am now watching some reruns of Heart Signal 2, cheering on for the contestants.
It got dark outside again. Soon enough, the stormy clouds are letting go of everything they held onto, making all sorts of strange noises. I thought, ‘Wow. I’m so glad I’m not on a training mission today.’ About an hour later, the rain stopped unexpectedly. Perhaps the clouds went too hard, too fast. Or maybe it’s gearing up for round two. Anyway, the clouds stayed, but the weather cleared. The sun began gleaming in the clouds. The shadows of the clouds deepened, and through those shadows, rays of sunshine began bursting out. It was a sight worth seeing, but I didn’t have a camera with me.”
— Kim Soo Hyun
…Kim Soo Hyun tells Kim Sae Ron that he misses her.
And while he doesn’t want to “burden” her, he tells her, “잘 부탁드립니다,” a Korean phrase often used to express a polite request or ask for someone’s favor, help, or cooperation. An English equivalent, in the context of Kim Soo Hyun’s letter, might be something like “Please take good care of me.”
The letter, revealed by Garosero Research Institute | @HOVERLAB2018/YouTube
“I remember one November morning, when snow was falling over the fallen leaves in the empty field, making it a lonely scene. I also remember when I first went on a mission, and my sight was completely filled with mountains. I thought, ‘Wow, I can’t believe I’m seeing something like this in Korea.’ I remember, on the day of ambush training, the moon was so bright and the sky was full of stars. Everything was so clear that I could see every nook and cranny of the terrain, which scared me. I spent the night terrified. I remember when the weather got better and I could smell the change in seasons. I was dying from a tough training session, but then, I could smell sand from a sunny beach. I remember feeling sentimental all day.
What I’m trying to say is… I just want to share what I think is good, what I find as joy, what I’m looking at or feeling… I want to share these things with you. It’s hard to see your face, but I still want to share with you how I feel inside. What I’m willing. I don’t want to burden you… So, I guess what I can say is… I miss you.
Anyway, it was a good weekend. I got to write some things. I thought about going back to work after discharge. Maybe I’ll travel to Japan or somewhere far like Northern Europe. With all the younger guys here, I even thought maybe I’ll go back to school. Would that mean we could school together? But when even is my discharge?
Looking back, it has already been 8 months since I enlisted. But when I look ahead, I still have over a year left. Haha. So, that said… I hope you’ll continue… to do your best to take good care of me. Salute.
From far, far away,Kim Private First Class“
— Kim Soo Hyun
Earlier, Kim Sae Ron’s aunt revealed that it was Kim Soo Hyun who “hit on” Kim Sae Ron first. Read more about it here:
Kim Soo Hyun Allegedly Hit On Kim Sae Ron First, While She Doubted Him
