On March 10, 2025, shocking allegations surfaced involving South Korean celebrities Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun, both associated with Gold Medalist, a talent agency recognized for managing prominent actors. These claims emerged from the Garosero Institute’s YouTube channel, which asserted that the two had a romantic history.
The allegations suggested that Kim Soo-hyun was involved with Kim Sae-ron when she was just 15 years old, with their relationship purportedly spanning six years. Gold Medalist, founded in 2019 by director Lee Sarang and producer Kim Mi-hye, represents several well-known actors, including Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron.
Formation and Leadership of Gold Medalist
In the year of its establishment, Kim Soo-hyun and his cousin Lee Sarang launched Gold Medalist, following their collaboration on the drama Will It Snow for Christmas? in 2009. Ahn Seung-su is reported to be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gold Medalist, assuming a critical role in overseeing talent management and acquisition within the agency. However, the specific roles of Lee Sarang and Kim Mi-hye within Gold Medalist remain unconfirmed, including any potential influence held by Kim Soo-hyun.
Gold Medalist’s Roster of Talent
As of March 2025, Gold Medalist boasts an impressive roster of actors, demonstrating a variety of talents across different projects:
- Kim Soo-hyun (2020–present): Featured in productions like Queen of Tears, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, and One Ordinary Day
- Seol In-ah (2022–present): Known for Business Proposal and Twinkling Watermelon
- Choi Hyun-wook (2020–present): Starred in Twinkling Watermelon, My Dearest Nemesis, and Weak Hero Class 1
- Kim Su-gyeom (2020–present)
- Kim Seung-ho (2020–present)
- Lee Chae-min (2020–present): Featured in Hierarchy
- Lee Jong-hyun (2020–present)
- Yoo Eun-ji (2021–present)
- Jeong Han-seol (2022–present)
- Kim Si-eun (2023–present)
- Song Ga-yeon (2024–present)
Noteworthy former members of Gold Medalist include:
- Kim Sae-ron (2020–2022): Known for Bloodhounds
- Jo Seung-hee (2020–2023)
- Seo Yea-ji (2020–2023): Featured in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay and Eve
The Emerging Controversy
The narrative began escalating on March 10 when the Garosero Research Institute alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had a romantic connection with the late Kim Sae-ron, starting in 2015 when she was just 15. This speculation gained momentum just weeks after Kim Sae-ron’s tragic death by suicide on February 16, 2025, at the age of 24.
According to claims by Kim Sae-ron’s aunt, following a transition from YG Entertainment to Gold Medalist in 2019, Kim Sae-ron continued to be involved with the agency, even offering her services without compensation during its initial stages. She further alleged that Kim Sae-ron contributed to the training of upcoming talent.
In 2022, Kim Sae-ron faced significant legal challenges stemming from a drunk-driving incident that caused substantial disruption and financial loss to local businesses. The actress received a hefty fine of 20 million KRW and was ordered to pay an additional 700 million KRW in damages. Gold Medalist intervened, compensating the affected businesses, but in 2024, chose not to renew her contract, demanding the repayment of the funds.
“I’m not saying I won’t pay, but if you demand 700 million won right now, I really can’t do it. It’s not that I refuse to pay, I just can’t afford it at the moment. But do I really have to go through a lawsuit? Please save me… Please, give me some time.”
In the aftermath of the dating allegations, further revelations emerged, including photos purportedly showing Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron and a text message sent from her to him, pleading for financial leniency regarding her debts to Gold Medalist.
In response to public scrutiny and the ongoing allegations, Gold Medalist asserted through a statement made to the media that Kim Soo-hyun never intended to collect repayment from Kim Sae-ron.
“We had no intentions of receiving money from Kim Sae Ron. We thought we wouldn’t get it. We only followed basic procedures because there could have been a case of malpractice brought up.”
Despite these denials, the controversy has intensified, prompting calls for brand sponsors of Kim Soo-hyun to reassess their partnerships. Gold Medalist has announced plans to take legal action against those who perpetuate these claims.