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.

At a surprise press conference, Kim Soo-hyun denied claims he groomed Kim Sae-ron, who died by suicide in February.

In an emotional press conference, Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun told all of a past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was 16.