Recent Developments in the Kim Sae-ron Case: Legal Turmoil and Family Distress
New revelations have emerged from the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron regarding her interactions with Kim Soo-hyun’s agency. It was reported that despite Kim Sae-ron reaching out to Kim Soo-hyun for assistance, she received a second certified legal notice from his agency shortly thereafter. This distressing situation unfolded during a press conference held by her family outside the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on March 17, 2025.
A Distressing Legal Backdrop
During the press conference, attorney Bu Ji-seok advocated for Kim Sae-ron’s family, confirming that, after initially receiving a legal notice, she reached out to Kim Soo-hyun with a plea for help, stating, “Please save me.”Unfortunately, her cries for assistance went unanswered.
The second legal notice reportedly caused additional turmoil, as it sought repayment of a debt within a specified timeframe and instructed her not to contact Kim Soo-hyun or any other actors affiliated with his agency. Furthermore, it warned of potential legal ramifications concerning a photo she posted during the airing of “Queen of Tears”in 2024.
“The agency sent a second certified letter. While they mentioned that it was unavoidable due to issues like breach of trust, the letter essentially demanded that the deceased repay the debt within a given period,”stated Bu Ji-seok.
Unraveling Communications and Emotional Distress
Kim Sae-ron’s representatives expressed confusion over the agency’s announcement that they were awaiting communication from the bereaved family, especially given the lack of outreach after sending the second certified letter. This raises questions about the emotional burden imposed on Kim Sae-ron, particularly leading up to her untimely death.
“After the second certified letter, there was not a single contact from Kim Soo-hyun, and she was unable to contact any other actors from Kim Soo-hyun’s agency,”revealed her family.
Moreover, attorney Bu Ji-seok emphasized the profound mental anguish Kim Sae-ron likely experienced upon receiving the certified letter, questioning the motives behind the agency’s current public statement.
“It is difficult to even guess how much mental pain the deceased must have suffered after receiving such a certified letter while she was alive. We do not understand why they (Kim Soo-hyun’s agency/Gold Medalist) are claiming to be waiting for the bereaved family to contact issuing a public statement now,”he added.
Consideration of Legal Action
Dramatically escalating the situation, Kim Sae-ron’s family announced during the press event that they are contemplating legal action against both Kim Soo-hyun and his agency. They have already initiated a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, who purportedly disseminated misinformation about the late actress since 2022. Moreover, they are pursuing action against another YouTuber who suggested that her association with Kim Soo-hyun was fabricated. Attorney Bu Ji-seok affirmed that such claims were baseless and significantly harmful to Kim Sae-ron’s mental health.
Origins of the Controversy
The turmoil is rooted in comments made by Kim Sae-ron’s family on the Garosero channel following her death on February 16, 2025. Her aunt publicly alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron for over six years, beginning when she was just 15 and he was 27. Further, it was claimed that Gold Medalist covered damages related to Kim Sae-ron’s DUI incident in 2022, yet later sought repayment through legal channels in 2024, which the family believes contributed to her struggles.
Despite Gold Medalist’s rapid denial of these allegations, the public scrutiny intensified after Dispatch released a report on March 12 that seemingly corroborated certain aspects of the family’s claims. The Garosero channel has even disseminated photographs they argue support the assertion of the actors’ romantic relationship.
Impact on Kim Soo-hyun’s Career
As the drama unfolds, Kim Soo-hyun is facing increasing backlash, both domestically and internationally, prompting calls for a boycott against him. In light of the controversy, significant portions of his footage were reportedly cut from the ongoing variety show “Good Day,”which is hosted by G-Dragon. The scandal has also thrown the release of his upcoming Disney+ drama “Knock-Off,”initially slated for an April 2025 premiere, into uncertainty.