Amid escalating allegations regarding their past interactions and financial issues, a purported message from the late actress Kim Sae-ron to actor Kim Soo-hyun has emerged. On March 11, 2025, Korean media outlet Sports Chosun unveiled a message allegedly sent by Kim Sae-ron on March 19, 2024.
In the message, Kim Sae-ron reportedly pleaded with Kim Soo-hyun for additional time to manage her financial responsibilities to Gold Medalist, a talent agency co-founded by his cousin Lee Sa-rang that previously managed her career, particularly following her DUI incident in 2022.
Kim Sae-ron faced legal repercussions in 2022 after crashing her vehicle into an electric transformer while allegedly driving under the influence. Reportedly, at the time, Gold Medalist covered a significant sum of 700 million KRW on her behalf.
Post-incident, Kim Sae-ron expressed intentions to gradually reimburse this amount through her work, with Kim Soo-hyun allegedly reassuring her that immediate repayment would not be necessary. However, in 2024, she was unexpectedly hit with a lawsuit demanding full repayment.
The alleged correspondence from Kim Sae-ron reflects her distress, stating:
“Oppa, this is Sae-ron. I received the letter of certification today, that [your company] is suing me. You said that you would give me ample time, so I’m working hard, preparing to make a comeback.”
She continued to express her plight:
“I will pay you back with a percentage from each work. I’m not saying that I won’t pay you back, but if you suddenly ask for [krw]7 ok[/krw] right now, I really can’t do anything. It’s not that I won’t, but I can’t. Do you really have to take it as far as a lawsuit? Please save me… I beg of you. Give me some time.”
Controversy Following Kim Sae-ron’s Passing
Kim Sae-ron was discovered deceased on February 16, 2025, igniting a wave of controversies. Recently, on March 10, 2025, STARNEWS reported that her aunt publicly accused Kim Soo-hyun of having a hand in the struggles that led to the actress’s tragic downfall.
She alleged that Gold Medalist sought 20 billion KRW in penalty fees, which extended Kim Sae-ron’s initial debt, contributing to her emotional distress.
During a discussion on former reporter Kim Se-ui’s YouTube channel, connected to the Garosero Research Institute, the aunt claimed that the dynamics of Kim Sae-ron’s relationship with Kim Soo-hyun influenced her wellbeing. Their relationship was reportedly initiated in 2015 when she was just 15 years old, and it allegedly lasted for six years.
In 2019, after Kim Soo-hyun became associated with Gold Medalist, Kim Sae-ron reportedly chose to join the agency instead of renewing her contract with YG Entertainment. Her aunt claimed that she played a crucial role in the foundation of Gold Medalist by mentoring budding actors and sharing her acting expertise.
Following Kim Sae-ron’s DUI incident, it was suggested that Gold Medalist covered her liabilities, guaranteeing her that she had no obligation to repay the sum immediately. STARNEWS conveyed that Kim Sae-ron expressed gratitude for this help and showed readiness to repay it as her career revived.
However, the unexpected demand for repayment in 2024 intensified her distress, as reported by Koreaboo. The aunt further stated that Kim Sae-ron tried to reconnect with Kim Soo-hyun during this time, but he did not reply.
Disturbingly, despite posting a photo of them together on Instagram while Kim Soo-hyun’s drama Queen of Tears was airing, rather than responding to her, Gold Medalist publicly distanced itself from her.
Such actions reportedly exacerbated Kim Sae-ron’s emotional turmoil, particularly as she was grappling with financial hardship. Notably, she tragically passed away on Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday. The family has since indicated they possess evidence substantiating the pair’s six-year relationship, which they plan to disclose.
In response to these events, Gold Medalist has firmly dismissed all allegations, labeling them as false and slanderous. Their official statement categorically refuted claims made through the Garosero Research Institute, declaring:
“All claims made by Garosero Research Institute regarding Kim Soo-hyun through their YouTube broadcast are false. They alleged that the company and Kim Soo-hyun, alongside YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, harassed the late actress Kim Sae-ron.”
The agency further contested accusations regarding their handling of her DUI incident and rejected allegations of a coordinated media smear campaign. They expressed their intent to pursue legal actions against the source of these allegations.
“Additionally, they claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a romantic relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron since she was 15, that the company mishandled the situation following her DUI incident, and even that one of our managers was personally acquainted with YouTuber Lee Jin Ho. These malicious accusations against the company and Kim Soo-hyun are completely untrue and unacceptable.”
Gold Medalist concluded their statement by expressing their sorrow over Kim Sae-ron’s passing, while maintaining a strict stance against the dissemination of misinformation. They emphasized that these allegations serve solely the self-interests of the involved YouTuber and urged the public to refrain from further promoting such claims.
Additionally, in a troubling note, Kim Sae-ron’s father has directed blame toward Lee Jin-ho, a former reporter turned YouTuber, further complicating this already controversial situation, as per reports by Koreaboo.