With all the massive controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun, what do you think that requires attention the most? Was it the photos? Or the lawsuit? No. The main issue in this case is whether or not Kim Soo Hyun had been dating Kim Sae Ron when she was underage. While this fact has yet been explained and we should NOT make any hasty judgement, let us address the underlying issue of Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron underage dating controversy: child grooming.
So, what is child grooming? Why should we be aware of child grooming, especially when it involves high-profile celebrities like Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron? And how this child grooming eventually affects someone’s life like Kim Sae Ron?
Check out the following discussion about the danger or child grooming and how should we handle this issue.
Kim Soo Hyun x Kim Sae Ron Alleged Underage Dating Issue
Before we dive deeper into the topic, let’s once again remember that Kim Soo Hyun accusation of dating Kim Sae Ron when she was underage is still an unconfirmed controversy.
This discussion is compiled to build more awareness against the danger of child grooming, based on the trending issue happening at the time.
That is why let us not jump into a hasty conclusion and let us focus on the child grooming topic instead.
Previously, Kim Soo Hyun faced accusation that he was dating Kim Sae Ron when the actress was still 15 years old. It made them an illegal couple, seeing how 27-year-old Kim Soo Hyun had dated a child who was still under the legal age. This accusation was then followed by a photo of their first meeting, taken about 1 and 2 years before they were dating. And the public was surprised how much of a child Kim Sae Ron at the time.
Following this unexpected case, more accusations then revealed that Kim Sae Ron had to endure an abusive marriage and husband. This then became one of the driving forces of why she eventually made such extreme decision.
Following the revelation of her tragic life story, the public began studying her case as a result of child grooming. The alleged unhealthy past dating relationship with Kim Soo Hyun when she was underage, explained how the life and relationship story of actress Kim Sae Ron has far deviated from those of regular young women.
Child Grooming Explained: What Is It?
According to the United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police, grooming is when a person is gradually trying to build a relationship with vulnerable individuals so they can “abuse them and manipulate them into doing things.” The abuse usually revolves around sexual or financial acts, but it can also involve other illegal possibilities.
Groomers may approach the victims both online and in person. In the virtual world, they can create false identity and pretend to be someone else. On the other hand, personal grooming can happen when the groomer approaches the vulnerable victim, turning themselves into someone the victim can fully trust and depend.
The time period of this grooming varies between cases. Some might take days, while others may happen for years until the person falls deep into complete manipulation of the groomers.
Now, when this grooming happens to someone underage, it then turns into a child grooming. And the repercussion of child grooming is far worse than those of adults.
The Danger of Child Grooming Explained
Child grooming is not simply a prelude to abuse. Instead, it is a process that can drastically shape a young person’s life, often with invisible scars that linger for years.
In the context of the alleged underage dating between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron, it becomes crucial to recognize how grooming can fundamentally disrupt the development and identity of the child.
According to Praesidium Inc., a 30-year company specializes in sexual abuse prevention, victims of grooming are often led to believe they are in a mutual, even “romantic,” relationship. That is especially convincing when the perpetrator holds a position of power or trust.
But behind the illusion of this romantic affection lies deep manipulation.
Groomers usually exploit emotional vulnerability and psychological immaturity. Then they ultimately strip the child of their ability to consent freely.
And based on the circulating reports, the alleged experience of Kim Sae Ron actually mirrors this dangerous pattern. With her reportedly abusive marriage to her career struggles and personal turmoil, many now question whether her early exposure to a potentially exploitative relationship set off a domino effect that impacted every following decision in her life.
If the accusations prove true, it would illustrate a textbook case of grooming, where the child is molded into compliance before they are even aware that they are being violated.
Grooming Often Feels “Normal” to the Victim, Including Kim Sae Ron
Additionally, one of the most disturbing aspects of child grooming is that it rarely appears forceful. On the contrary, it often feels nurturing—at least on the surface. That is why many victims, especially minors, fail to recognize the harm until much later in life.
According to child safety advocates, grooming is often so extremely subtle that the victims will most likely mistake them care or affection. The child begins to crave validation and emotional comfort from the abuser, unknowingly allowing the perpetrator to control not only their physical boundaries but also their emotional and mental state.
In celebrity culture, where young artists are often pushed into adult-like roles and relationships, this line becomes even blurrier.
When someone like Kim Sae Ron—who entered the entertainment world at such a young age—is subjected to an inappropriate relationship dynamic, the psychological confusion becomes compounded by public scrutiny, shame, and self-blame.
Therefore, if she was, indeed, groomed into a relationship while still underage, her perception of what constitutes love and safety could have been permanently distorted.
Why the Public Should Care: Grooming in Plain Sight
What makes cases like Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron alleged underage dating controversy especially alarming is how easily grooming behavior can go unnoticed—even by those closest to the child.
Groomers don’t only manipulate the victim; they often gain the trust of friends, family, and fans. This dual trust is what allows the abuse to continue in plain sight.
It’s no coincidence that many child grooming cases, even outside of the entertainment industry, are discovered years after the abuse took place. The predator becomes so entrenched in the child’s life that questioning their behavior seems unreasonable, even rude.
In cases involving celebrities, where fans idolize the older party, calling out such behavior becomes even more difficult.
Therefore, it’s essential for the public not to dismiss controversies like these as mere scandals or rumors. They serve as critical opportunities for education and caution. That is especially in this MZ-generation era where online access, fame, and unchecked influence can accelerate the grooming process exponentially.
Child Grooming Prevention Explained: A Shared Responsibility
Finally, protecting children from grooming requires profound collective action.
As caregivers, educators, fans, and members of society, we must equip ourselves with knowledge, foster open communication, and challenge relationships that blur boundaries—no matter how charming or respectable the adult may appear.
Whether or not Kim Soo Hyun is proven guilty in this specific case, the focus lies on the danger of child grooming itself. Therefore, with the child grooming explained above, let shift our focus into the awareness of its danger.
Let this case be a wake-up call in how subtle child grooming can happen in the society.
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