Embattled South Korean superstar Kim Soo Hyun has personally addressed a growing scandal about the nature of his relationship with late actress Kim Sae-ron for the first time, in a closely watched saga that has roiled the country’s entertainment industry.

Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has strongly denied allegations that he groomed and dated the late Netflix star Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor.

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun on Monday denied allegations that he dated the actress Kim Sae-ron when she was underage, breaking down in tears as he said he could not "admit what is not true." Brands including Prada have cut ties with the actor amid the controversy over his relationship with Kim Sae-ron,