According to Dimsum DailyIm, 37, was one of the first to unfollow Kim Soo Hyun on Instagram after the allegations surfaced last month. The two actors had previously appeared together on the variety show “Good Day,” hosted by South Korean artist G-Dragon.

Following suit, Ahn, also 37, unfollowed Kim Soo Hyun amid growing public pressure. Their friendship was highlighted at the 2024 Asia Artist Awards, where the two were photographed together alongside actor Byeon Woo Seok.

South Korean actor Ahn Bo Hyun. Photo from Ahn’s Instagram

Neither Im nor Ahn has publicly addressed their decision to unfollow Kim Soo Hyun on social media.

Kim Soo Hyun’s controversy erupted on March 10, when Garo Sero Institute—also known as Hoverlab—aired an interview with a woman claiming to be Kim Sae Ron’s aunt. She alleged that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron had been in a relationship for six years, beginning when Kim Sae Ron was just 15.

The late actress’ family then accused Kim Soo Hyun of demanding repayment of 700 million won (US$481,752), which they claimed contributed to her distress before her death. They stated that the money was given by Kim Soo Hyun and his agency Gold Medalist to help Kim Sae Ron manage the fallout from her 2022 DUI incident, which had severely impacted her career.

Gold Medalist has denied all allegations, including claims of underage dating. The agency maintains that the relationship occurred between mid-2019 and late 2020, after Kim Sae Ron had turned 18. Additionally, they have filed legal action against Garo Sero Institute and the individual claiming to be Kim Sae Ron’s aunt.

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun. Photo from Kim Soo Hyun’s Instagram

Despite these denials, the controversy has tarnished Kim Soo Hyun’s public image. He has lost several major brand endorsements, seen a significant decline in social media followers, and reportedly relinquished his status as South Korea’s highest-paid actor.

Kim Soo Hyun, 37, is one of the nation’s top stars, internationally recognized for his roles in hit dramas such as “Dream High,” “Moon Embracing the Sun,” “My Love from the Star,” “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, and “Queen of Tears.”

Kim Sae Ron, who was found dead at 25 in her Seoul home on Feb. 16, had gained international acclaim for her role in the 2009 film “A Brand New Life,” becoming the youngest South Korean actress to attend the Cannes Film Festival. She was also the youngest nominee for Best Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

However, her promising career suffered a decline following her 2022 DUI scandal, which resulted in the loss of several roles and endorsement deals.