Actor Kim Soo Hyun is facing intense public criticism following allegations that he engaged in a romantic relationship with actress Kim Sae Ron when she was just 16 years old. The controversy has ignited widespread outrage across South Korea, with many accusing Kim of grooming and inappropriate behavior toward a minor. In response, citizens are now calling for urgent legal reforms to better safeguard minors.
This growing public demand has led to the launch of a petition dubbed the “Kim Soo Hyun Prevention Act.” The petition advocates for raising the legal age of consent to 19 and imposing harsher penalties on adults who engage in s*xual relationships with minors. As of April 7, 2025 — just a week after its creation on March 31 — the petition had collected 51,333 signatures, surpassing the 50,000-signature threshold needed to advance to the National Assembly for review.
The petitioner emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “Kim Soo Hyun has recently enraged the public due to allegations of grooming Kim Sae Ron when she was underage.” They also criticized the limitations of current laws, pointing out that South Korean law only explicitly protects minors between 13 and 16 years old under statutory r*pe provisions. “Even if Kim Soo Hyun committed such an act, he may escape punishment under the current legal framework,” the petitioner added.
Currently, under Article 305 of the Criminal Act, it is illegal for an adult over the age of 19 to engage in s*xual acts with minors aged 13 to 16, regardless of consent. Violators face a minimum prison sentence of three years. However, critics argue that the law leaves significant gaps, particularly when it comes to protecting older teenagers.
Now that the petition has met the required number of signatures, it is under formal review by the National Assembly. The relevant committee has up to 90 days to decide whether to push the proposal to a full parliamentary debate. Many are watching closely to see whether this case will prompt a long-overdue revision to South Korea’s laws to better protect young people from exploitation.
