On March 17, 2025, the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron made a heartfelt appeal to the media, requesting privacy due to the distress caused to her younger sisters amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding her untimely death.
At a press conference, attorney Boo Ji-Seok, who is acting on behalf of Kim Sae-ron’s family, enlisted the support of Kim Se-ui from the Garosero Research Institute and Kwon Young-chan, the director of the Korea Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association. This event coincided with their legal move to file a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
During the press briefing, Kwon Young-chan highlighted the urgent need to safeguard Kim Sae-ron’s family from unwarranted attention. This statement followed the remarks made by GOLD MEDALIST, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, clarifying that the individual responsible for the initial allegations is not related to Sae-ron.
“Never touch the family,”Kwon stated, echoing sentiments of solidarity and protection for those left behind, as reported by Newsen.
Kwon also expressed deep concern for the actress’s two younger siblings, noting the emotional toll the events have had on their aspirations. “Both of them wanted to act; however, one has decided to step back. We are uncertain about the future of the other sibling,”he explained, as detailed by Newsen.
“What the bereaved family is worried about are Kim Sae-ron’s two younger siblings. Both of them wanted to act, but one gave up. We don’t know what will happen to the other sibling,”he stated.
In a plea for empathy, he stated:
“Don’t attack the family, just attack me. The bereaved family has entrusted everything to me. I have contacted and talked to their mother. Please help the bereaved family survive.”
Legal Action Against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho
On the same day, the family took a significant legal step by filing a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, alleging he disseminated harmful misinformation that contributed to Kim Sae-ron’s emotional struggles and, ultimately, her tragic passing.
According to a report from The Korea Times, attorney Boo Ji-seok articulated the family’s perspective, asserting that the charges of defamation more accurately reflect Lee’s actions as akin to murder. “The defamation charge is just a legal term. We believe Lee’s actions are closer to murder,” he stated at the press conference.
“We hope the seriousness of his conduct is fully reflected in sentencing and that he faces strict punishment,”he added.
Lee Jin-ho had previously released multiple videos related to Kim Sae-ron following her DUI incident in 2022, wherein he accused her of fabricating a romantic liaison with Kim Soo-hyun after sharing photographs on social media. Additionally, he purported that she was out socializing, painting a picture of her life that her family contests vehemently.
The family of Kim Sae-ron has conveyed that the circulation of such misleading content caused her profound emotional strain, which tragically culminated in her death. They further accused Lee of attempting to erase incriminating evidence by privatizing his videos shortly after her passing, a move that reportedly reinforced their decision to pursue legal action.
Attorney Boo Ji-seok reiterated that this lawsuit represents only the initial step in holding accountable those responsible for damaging defamation. He declared:
“We intend to hold those responsible for defamation and the spread of false information fully accountable.”
Tragically, Kim Sae-ron passed away at her home in Seoul on February 16, 2025. Following her death, the Garosero Research Institute’s YouTube channel propagated claims regarding her purported relationship with Kim Soo-hyun during her teenage years, igniting wide-ranging discussions and scrutiny.