Kim Soo Hyun’s Comments On 15-Year-Old Nam Ji Hyun Resurface Amid Controversy
This article is part of our coverage of Kim Soo Hyun And Kim Sae Ron's Relationship. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.
Kim Soo Hyun is facing even more scrutiny as past remarks about actress Nam Ji Hyun, made during a 2010 interview when the actress was only 15 years old, have resurfaced.
The controversy follows recent allegations from late actress Kim Sae Ron’s aunt, who claimed that Kim Soo Hyun had been in a six-year relationship with the star starting when she was 15. She also alleged that his agency initially helped cover damages from Kim Sae Ron’s DUI accident but later attempted to extort the money from her.
In the resurfaced interview, Kim Soo Hyun reflected on his time working with actress Nam Ji Hyun, who was 15 at the time. While discussing their projects Will It Snow for Christmas? and Giant, he joked about feeling as though his on-screen younger brother, Yeo Jin Goo, had “stolen his girl,” referring to Nam Ji Hyun’s role in the series.
Kim Soo Hyun was 22 years old at the time.
It felt so weird, like my younger brother had stolen my girl.
— Kim Soo Hyun
He praised Nam Ji Hyun’s acting skills, saying he had learned a lot from her despite their age difference. Additionally, he admitted to feeling jealous of the praise she received from directors and senior actors, which fueled his competitive spirit.
Ji Hyun is a real fox when it comes to acting.
Even though she’s much younger than me, I learned a lot from her while filming ‘Will It Snow for Christmas?’ She understands everything—camera angles, how to deliver her lines, all of it. On the first day of filming with Ji Hyun in Sancheong, I couldn’t sleep because of jealousy.
I was so jealous of how she was praised by the director and adored by the senior actors. I guess that’s why my eyes were burning with so much competitiveness.
— Kim Soo Hyun
Though the comments did not cause much reaction at the time, they are now being viewed in a different light due to the ongoing controversy. Many netizens are condemning the actor calling Nam “his girl” and “a fox,” especially given the allegations regarding his past relationship with Kim Sae Ron.
- “This guy probably stunted his brain growth from drowning in alcohol and cigarettes as a teen. That’s why he still sees teenage girls as his peers.”
- “Wow, he’s been consistent… calling a 15-year-old ‘my girl’?”
- “Ew, he’s been consistent. Disgusting.”
- “Wait, what the hell is this?????????”
- “WTF, calling a middle schooler “my girl”??? WTF…”
