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.

Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun made an appearance at a press conference Monday, denying allegations that he dated actress Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor.