Media365
Queen of Tears star Kim Soo Hyun is under fire surrounding actress Kim Sae Ron’s death. After allegations from her family surfaced on social media, the news has sparked outrage among netizens and are strongly demanding for his removal from the industry. But, what are the legal actions the actor can face?
As per report of Koreaboo, the current law which was revised in May 2020, engaging in sexual acts or physical intimacy with a minor under 16, even with consent can constitute statutory rape or sexual misconduct. But, before 2020 amendment, the law was applicable only to minors under 13, not under 16.
Speaking to YTN, Attorney Lee Go Eun stated that, “Since Kim Sae Ron was 15 at the time (in 2015), the older version of the law would apply. Under that law, criminal charges for statutory rape or misconduct required the minor to be under 13. The fact that they were in a relationship alone would not be sufficient for prosecution. Given that the previous law applies in this case, a 15-year-old would not fall under the definition of statutory rape”.
The attorney further stated, “Therefore, it would be difficult to establish criminal liability under the current legal framework unless there is concrete evidence of sexual acts. Simply being in a relationship with a minor is not enough to bring charges against Kim Soo Hyun under the old law.”
On February 16, Kim was found dead by a friend in her home in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong District, Seoul. She was 24 years old. By the time of her death, she reportedly had a debt of more than ₩700 million won ($486,000) to her agency as a result of these settlements.
Kim Soo Hyun is currently one of the highest paid actors in South Korea. He gained international recognition he gained further success with the fantasy series My Love from the Star (2013–14), and the variety drama The Producers (2015), which earned him three Daesang (Grand Prize).
He has been part of several popular series including- Moon Embracing Sun, Dream High 2, My Love from the Star, Hotel Del Luna, Crash Landing On You, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, One Ordinary Day, Knock-Off and Kimchi Cheese Smile among others.
