K-Pop idol Kim Hyun Joong opened up about his 2014 assault controversy during a recent YouTube appearance. He reflected on the legal battles with his ex-girlfriend and his acceptance of the outcomes. The discussion highlighted challenges faced by celebrities under public scrutiny.
On February 27, 2026, actor and singer Kim Hyun Joong appeared on the YouTube channel “B-Level Studio” in the episode titled B-Level Hearing RE:BOOT. During the interview, he addressed the assault controversy involving his ex-girlfriend, Ms. A, which began in 2014 when he was indicted on charges of assaulting her. Kim explained, “Even though it was a situation where I pushed her, it was acknowledged as assault, so I was fined ₩5.00 million KRW (about $3,490 USD) through summary judgment, and I was willing to pay that amount. I didn’t expect the matter to escalate this much.”
Ms. A claimed to be pregnant with his child and filed a civil damages lawsuit for ₩1.60 billion KRW (about $1.12 million USD). Kim counter-sued her for defamation based on false claims. After she gave birth, DNA testing confirmed the child was his, and Kim ultimately won the case following a prolonged legal battle. He noted, “It took a very long time to be acquitted, and in that time, I neither gained nor lost much.” When asked if he felt wronged, Kim replied, “I don’t feel wronged. There’s no need to feel wronged. I think that’s how it is. Celebrities realize that being found not guilty doesn’t truly mean they are exonerated.”
Reflecting further, Kim stated, “There are regrets, but I know I can’t undo the past. I don’t dwell on the past. I believe the future I will live is what’s important.” The interview also touched on his current life, including farming corn and plans to promote with the project group FIVE O ONE alongside Heo Young Saeng and Kim Kyu Jong to mark the 20th anniversary of SS501’s debut. In 2022, Kim married his first love and had a son. A related report described the legal battle as lasting five years and involving issues over the ex-girlfriend's pregnancy and assault allegations.
