Defamation Lawsuit Filed in Wake of Kim Sae-ron’s Tragic Passing
On March 17, 2025, The Korea Times reported the distressing news that the bereaved family of actress Kim Sae-ron has initiated legal proceedings against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho for defamation. They claim that the baseless assertions made by Lee Jin-ho significantly contributed to Kim Sae-ron’s emotional anguish, a factor they believe culminated in her untimely death.
The family has enlisted Attorney Boo Ji-seok to spearhead the case, submitting a formal complaint to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. During a press briefing, Boo articulated the family’s deep concerns regarding the impact of Lee’s allegations.
At the press conference, Attorney Boo Ji-seok conveyed the profound emotional turmoil Kim Sae-ron endured due to Lee Jin-ho’s videos. He stated for the media:
“The defamation charge is just a legal term. We believe Lee’s actions are close to murder.”
Boo emphasized the need for accountability regarding Lee’s conduct, advocating for a sentence that reflects the gravity of the situation. He added:
“We hope the seriousness of his conduct is fully reflected in sentencing and that he faces strict punishment.”
According to Kim Sae-ron’s family, the actress suffered immensely from the false narratives propagated by Lee Jin-ho on his YouTube channel, @Behind_Master, starting in 2022. They criticized his misrepresentation of a social media post featuring Kim with actor Kim Soo-hyun, asserting that this relentless scrutiny increased her distress, which they believe ultimately resulted in her tragic fate.
Lee Jin-ho’s videos pertaining to Kim Sae-ron began circulating after her notorious DUI incident in 2022. He purportedly claimed she had fabricated a romantic link with Kim Soo-hyun by sharing a photo of them together online. After her death, the family accused him of attempting to erase these damaging narratives by making his videos private, a move they interpret as critical to their legal claims.
Attorney Boo Ji-seok also noted that this lawsuit marks the initial step in a broader legal campaign, assuring the public that further complaints aimed at holding accountable those responsible for spreading falsehoods would be forthcoming:
“We intend to hold those responsible for defamation and the spread of false information fully accountable.”
Unpacking the Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron Dating Controversy
A recent video released by the Garosero Research Institute on March 10, 2025, has shed light on startling claims made by Kim Sae-ron’s aunt regarding the actress’s relationship with prominent actor Kim Soo-hyun. In this video, it was asserted that the two were in a relationship when Kim Sae-ron was only 15 and Kim Soo-hyun was 27, back in 2015.
The report further indicated that their relationship dissolved in 2022 amidst the fallout from Kim Sae-ron’s DUI incident. It was alleged that she played a pivotal role in the formation of Kim Soo-hyun’s management company, GOLD MEDALIST, by working for free and offering guidance to emerging talent.
Following the DUI incident, GOLD MEDALIST reportedly covered the associated costs. However, when Kim Sae-ron’s contract elapsed, she received a notice demanding the repayment of nearly $483,000—a situation that left her feeling betrayed and desperate. In a bid to provoke a response from Kim Soo-hyun, she publicly shared a photo of them together, only to find herself portrayed negatively in the agency’s public statements.
Initially, GOLD MEDALIST denied the dating allegations but later confirmed their relationship, although they refuted claims that it started when Kim Sae-ron was underage. The family has since requested a formal apology from Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, urging them to acknowledge the nature of their past relationship beginning in her teenage years.
Moreover, they are calling for an apology concerning the legal demand for repayment, arguing that it inflicted additional emotional suffering on Kim Sae-ron. Attorney Boo emphasized the intense distress she experienced, revealing that she had reached out to Kim Soo-hyun’s representatives seeking assistance.
Finally, Attorney Boo indicated that legal action against Kim Soo-hyun may also be on the horizon.