On March 31, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun made his long-awaited public appearance during a live press conference held at the Stanford Hotel in Sangam, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Broadcasted by MBC News, the actor took the opportunity to address the ongoing controversy surrounding his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, expressing remorse for the situation.
During the event, Soo-hyun announced the initiation of legal proceedings against Kim Sae-ron’s family, the Garo Sero Research Institute, and an individual claiming to be her aunt. This significant legal step aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the allegations made against him.
Present at the press conference was Attorney Kim Jong-bok from LKBN Partners, who represents both Gold Medalist and Kim Soo-hyun. According to a report by South Korean outlet Xportsnews, Attorney Kim stated:
“A lawsuit claiming 12 billion won in damages against these individuals has also been filed at the Seoul District Court today.”
This legal action is noted as the reason for the absence of a Q&A session during the press conference.
Motivation Behind the 12 Billion KRW Lawsuit
Throughout the press conference, an emotional Kim Soo-hyun spoke about the personal toll the scandal has taken on him. His attorney, Kim Jong-bok, elaborated on the rationale behind the legal pursuit:
“Actor Kim Soo-hyun and his agency Gold Medalist have decided to file a criminal complaint and a civil lawsuit against the relevant parties in order to clearly reveal the truth. They have asked our law firm to do this.”
Attorney Kim further explained:
“In accordance with their request, our law firm has filed a complaint today against the bereaved family, an unidentified person claiming to be their aunt, and the operator of Gaseyeon for defamation in violation of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc., along with the emotional report that actor Kim Soo-hyun just mentioned.”
During the address, Soo-hyun maintained that he never had a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor, clarifying that their relationship occurred about five years ago, lasting only a year when she was of legal age. He vehemently denied any accusations of applying financial pressure on her.
Visibly shaken, Soo-hyun implored the public to consider the injustices he faces, presenting evidence to counter the claims made by Kim Sae-ron’s family.
Aims of the Press Conference
The controversy first came to light following Kim Sae-ron’s tragic passing in February 2025, which has led to rampant speculation about her past relationships, particularly with the actor known for his role in *Queen of Tears*. Although authorities have categorized her death as suicide, ongoing debates and theories persist.
Over the past month, Kim Sae-ron’s family, along with the Garo Sero Research Institute and YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, have publicly presented purported evidence regarding her connections with Soo-hyun. The late actress’s personal life has come under intense examination due to various claims reflected through press statements, letters, and multimedia exchanges among related parties.
Consequently, the fallout from this scandal has resulted in the termination of Kim Soo-hyun’s endorsement agreements with prominent brands, including Prada and Shinhan Financial Group. Despite the lingering controversy, the recent press conference has undoubtedly introduced new dimensions to the discourse surrounding this sensitive issue.