On March 31, actor Kim Soo Hyun held an emergency press conference, firmly denying allegations that he had dated the late actress Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor. His tearful statement, intended to refute the claims, has instead sparked further controversy among Korean netizens.

The scandal has dominated the Korean entertainment industry in recent weeks following accusations from Kim Sae Ron’s bereaved family. They alleged that Kim Soo Hyun had been in a relationship with the actress since she was 15 and that he, along with his agency Gold Medalist, played a role in her tragic passing. According to the family, Kim Soo Hyun had significant influence over Kim Sae Ron’s life, and the agency’s demands for a hefty penalty fee through two certified letters had pushed her over the edge.

As the allegations spread, Korean netizens labeled Kim Soo Hyun a “groomer” and a “pedophile.” In response, the actor attempted to clear his name through a press conference, but his choice of words only fueled more backlash. When referring to himself as "Star Kim Soo Hyun," he was met with ridicule from the public, who mocked his self-proclaimed title.

Kim Soo Hyun’s press conference gained massive attention overseas as well, with over 13 million viewers in China tuning in. Korean netizens are now sarcastically commenting that Kim Soo Hyun has become a worldwide "star" just as he titled himself.

They commented:

"He needs to include this in his filmography. This is his career high."

"13 million people are watching his show because he's 'Star Kim Soo Hyun'."

"His career high."

"This is pretty embarrassing."

"I'm absolutely disgusted. Even as a third party. Putting everything else aside, the bereaved family didn’t even want to completely ruin Kim Soo Hyun—they just wanted him to acknowledge it. But a 12 billion KRW lawsuit? This really means he’s determined to fight to the bitter end. He’s seriously not human at this point."

"This is going to be made into a meme."

"Kim Soo Hyun was super popular in China."

"This is hilarious."

"'My Love from the Star' was super successful in China."

"If China is even cursing at him, he's done."

"That's a lot of people..."

"Who would've imagined that Do Min Joon from 'My Love from the Star' would become like that? You never know what happens in life."

"He's 'Star' Kim Soo Hyun for sure."

SEE ALSO: Late Kim Sae Ron's family share the touching letter left by a journalist