On March 31, at 4:30 PM, actor Kim Soo-hyun held an emergency press conference at a hotel in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. This press conference emerged in light of serious allegations concerning the late actress Kim Sae-ron. Notably, the session lacked a Q&A segment, which elicited criticism from members of the press as well as the public for not addressing their concerns effectively.
Kim Soo-hyun’s legal counsel, Kim Jong-bok from LKB & Partners, represented the actor and articulated Kim’s official position regarding the ongoing allegations. The decision to omit a Q&A segment was defended by the legal representative, who stated:
“Because the complaint has been officially submitted, the matter is now subject to an investigation and requires legal judgment. That is why we chose not to conduct a Q&A session today.”
Legal Battle and Allegations: Kim Soo-hyun’s Response
According to reports from Kbizoom, the press conference attracted a large gathering of reporters, photographers, and video crews. The agency’s CEO, Ahn Sung-soo, had previously confirmed that no questions would be entertained, stressing that the statements made were final. During the event, Kim Jong-bok provided further details regarding the legal actions being pursued by Kim Soo-hyun.
“Since there will be no Q&A session today, I would like to provide answers to some common questions the media may have. Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, have filed criminal complaints and civil lawsuits to clarify the facts,” he said.
It was disclosed that the actor’s legal representatives have lodged a lawsuit demanding 12 billion won in damages from Kim Sae-ron’s family. This case has been submitted to the Seoul District Court against the late actress’s relatives, including an individual claiming to be her aunt, along with the administrator of the Garosero Research Institute. Furthermore, a criminal complaint for defamation has also been filed against these parties.
Addressing Personal Matters
During the press conference, Kim Soo-hyun shared insights regarding his past relationship with Kim Sae-ron. He expressed sorrow over the distress caused by the situation and recognized its emotional toll on all involved. Kim confirmed that their relationship lasted approximately one year, five years prior, and clarified that by the time the drama Queen of Tears aired, they were no longer together.
He confronted the backlash he received for remaining silent when a photograph of the couple surfaced. Kim Soo-hyun justified his silence based on his commitment to his role as lead actor, stating:
“When Queen of Tears was airing, there were so many things I had to protect as a lead actor. At that time, if I admitted to the relationship with the person I dated a few years ago, what would happen? What about my colleagues, the crew, and everyone involved in the production?”
He indicated that prioritizing professional obligations over personal matters led to considerable anxiety regarding potential repercussions. Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Kim affirmed he would make the same choices again, underlining his responsibilities as a public figure.
Combatting Misinformation
Kim offered an apology to his supporters for the turmoil created by these controversies, acknowledging the criticism leveled at his decisions as misguided attempts to protect those close to him. He also addressed allegations relating to KakaoTalk messages said to have been exchanged between him and Kim Sae-ron in 2016 and 2018.
“The bereaved family is using KakaoTalk to frame me as a pedophile and a groomer of minors,” Kim Soo-hyun declared. “The individuals involved in the 2016 and 2018 messages are distinct from those currently being discussed.”
Furthermore, he denounced the use of manipulated evidence against him, citing altered timestamps and edited images. As legal proceedings progress, Kim remains committed to verifying all claims through formal investigations.
Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, has initiated legal action against those spreading false information. Despite the backlash, Kim has expressed readiness to accept accountability for past decisions, while firmly denying all fabricated allegations. He stressed the importance of addressing each claim through the appropriate legal frameworks.
The Heart of the Controversy
The ongoing controversy stems from accusations made by Kim Sae-ron’s family, who allege that Kim Soo-hyun was romantically involved with her beginning in 2015, when she was still a minor. They have also claimed that Gold Medalist pressured her into repaying 700 million KRW following her driving under the influence (DUI) incident.
Initially, Kim Soo-hyun denied any romantic involvement. However, he later acknowledged a relationship that spanned from the summer of 2019 until the fall of 2020, clarifying it began only after she reached adulthood. The structured format of the conference and the large media turnout reflect the deep public interest and demand for clarity in this matter.
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