South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has been cleared of allegations that he violated the country’s Child Welfare Act, after police decided not to refer the case to prosecutors. The Seoul Seongdong Police Station concluded its investigation into the matter, finding insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution.

The allegations originated from a criminal complaint filed in May 2025 by the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron. They claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had engaged in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron while she was 15 years old. Kim Soo-hyun, 38, has acknowledged that the two dated but has consistently denied that the relationship began when she was underage.

In addition, Kim Soo-hyun’s representatives contested the authenticity of an audio recording released by Kim Sae-ron’s family. The recording features a speaker, allegedly Kim Sae-ron, stating that their relationship started during middle school. The actor’s side asserted that the recording was manipulated and produced using artificial intelligence technology.

The investigation closure follows Kim Soo-hyun’s return to the public eye in July 2026 after a year-long hiatus. Kim Sae-ron, who had also gained recognition as a young actress, was found dead at her home in February 2025 at the age of 24. The police’s decision not to pursue the case effectively clears Kim Soo-hyun of the allegations tied to her family’s complaint.