On May 7, 2025, a remarkable press conference held by the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute drew significant attention as it revealed shocking allegations concerning the late actress Kim Sae-ron and actor Kim Soo-hyun. The event took place in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where Kim Se-eui, the representative of the Garo Sero Institute, along with attorney Park Ji-seok, who represents Kim Sae-ron's bereaved family, disclosed a transcript of a conversation that allegedly occurred a month before Kim Sae-ron's untimely death.
According to the transcript, Kim Sae-ron confessed to an acquaintance, referred to as A, that she had a romantic relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since middle school. She stated, "It's right that I dated Kim Soo-hyun," adding that they dated until he went off to college. This revelation has raised eyebrows, particularly because Kim Sae-ron was a minor during this time.
In her own words, Kim Sae-ron described her first sexual encounter with Kim Soo-hyun as occurring during the winter break of her second year of middle school, stating, "I knew how to do it since middle school, so I must have seemed crazy to him." This admission has sparked outrage and concern regarding the implications of their relationship.
Furthermore, Kim Sae-ron's bereaved family has claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had been involved with her since 2015, when she was just 15 years old, and that their relationship lasted for six years. They have also released private messages and photos that they allege support their claims. During the press conference, attorney Park Ji-seok confirmed that they had filed a complaint against Kim Soo-hyun for violating the Child Welfare Act, asserting that he engaged in obscene acts with Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor.
Kim Soo-hyun's side initially responded to the allegations by denying them, calling the claims "groundless" and announcing plans for legal action. However, they later admitted that while they did date, it was not during the time Kim Sae-ron was a minor. This shift has only added to the complexity of the situation.
In a dramatic turn of events, it was reported that the informant who provided the transcript was attacked shortly before the press conference. Kim Se-eui stated that the informant was assaulted by two unidentified individuals who crossed over from Korea and China, suffering nine stab wounds to the neck. He described the attack as a clear case of attempted murder and noted that the FBI is currently investigating the incident.
During the press conference, Kim Se-eui elaborated on the contents of the transcript, revealing that Kim Sae-ron expressed her mental anguish stemming from the scrutiny and harassment she faced from some YouTubers. She reportedly said, "If I had the photos, I would have revealed everything," indicating a desire to disclose more about her experiences.
As the situation unfolds, the Garo Sero Institute has faced backlash from Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, which has claimed that the transcript is fabricated and that the recording was created using artificial intelligence. They have threatened to pursue legal action against those involved in disseminating the allegations.
In response to the growing controversy, Gold Medalist has filed complaints against Garo Sero Institute for violating the Stalking Punishment Act, asserting that the channel has continued to spread false information despite a temporary restraining order issued by the Seoul Central District Court.
As the public grapples with the implications of these allegations, the case has raised significant questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the impact of their actions on vulnerable individuals. The revelations surrounding Kim Sae-ron's experiences have sparked a broader conversation about consent, power dynamics, and the treatment of young women in the entertainment industry.
Moving forward, the legal proceedings and the investigation into the attack on the informant will likely shape the narrative surrounding this case. With both sides preparing for a protracted legal battle, the outcome remains uncertain, but the implications for all involved are profound.
In the meantime, the public is left to ponder the complexities of relationships within the entertainment industry, especially when they involve minors. The tragic story of Kim Sae-ron serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of young individuals in a world that often prioritizes fame and success over personal safety.
