On May 7, 2025, the bereaved family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron held a press conference in Gangnam District, Seoul, to address serious allegations against actor Kim Soo-hyun. This press event, organized by the law firm Pyo, featured attorney Park Ji-hoon and Kim Se-wi, CEO of the YouTube channel 'Carosseroe Research Institute'.
During the conference, attorney Park announced that the family had filed a complaint against Kim Soo-hyun for violating the Child Welfare Act and defamation. The allegations claim that Kim Soo-hyun engaged in inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment towards Kim Sae-ron starting from her second year of middle school during winter break.
Park stated, "The bereaved family confirmed that Kim Soo-hyun made Kim Sae-ron perform lewd acts and engaged in sexual harassment towards her while she was still a minor." The complaint cites Article 17, Section 2 of the Child Welfare Act, which punishes individuals who expose children to lewd acts or engage in sexual abuse.
In a dramatic turn, the family revealed that an informant supporting their claims had been approached with an offer of tens of billions of won for crucial evidence. When this informant refused, they reportedly faced serious harm. Park emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "The informant was attacked with a weapon, suffering life-threatening injuries, highlighting the dangerous circumstances surrounding this case."
Adding to the complexity of the situation, recordings of conversations involving Kim Sae-ron were released, where she expressed feelings of being used during her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun. In a recording from January 10, 2025, she stated, "I felt used since middle school. After a drunk driving incident, he made me the scapegoat." Kim Sae-ron also alleged that Kim Soo-hyun was involved with other female idols during their relationship, referring to them in a derogatory manner.
The bereaved family has consistently claimed that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were involved for six years, starting from 2015, when she was still a minor. They have released various forms of evidence, including messages and private photos exchanged between the two.
In response to the allegations, Kim Soo-hyun has publicly acknowledged their past relationship but insists it was not during her minor years. His agency, Gold Medalist, expressed serious concerns about the ongoing press conferences and the dissemination of what they termed false information. They urged media outlets to verify claims before publication to avoid causing undue harm.
Gold Medalist stated, "We hope that when articles are written about unconfirmed unilateral claims, the facts are confirmed with the parties involved to prevent unfair damage caused by the spread of false information." The agency has also filed a defamation suit against the bereaved family and the YouTube channel.
As tensions escalate, Kim Soo-hyun's career has already begun to suffer. Some advertisers have filed lawsuits seeking the return of model fees and damages, and the distribution of his upcoming Disney+ series 'Knock Off' has been temporarily suspended.
During the press conference, attorney Park Ji-hoon reiterated the family's commitment to seeking justice for Kim Sae-ron, stating, "We are determined to uncover the truth and hold Kim Soo-hyun accountable for his actions." He also mentioned the family's willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement investigations.
As this legal battle continues, the public is left to grapple with the serious implications of these allegations. The case has sparked widespread media coverage and public discussion about the responsibility of celebrities and the protection of minors in the entertainment industry.
With both sides preparing for a protracted legal fight, the outcome remains uncertain. The bereaved family's resolve to pursue justice for Kim Sae-ron reflects a growing movement to address issues of abuse and exploitation within the entertainment sector.
As more details emerge, the spotlight on Kim Soo-hyun and the allegations against him will likely intensify, prompting further scrutiny from both the public and the media. The unfolding drama raises critical questions about accountability and the need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable individuals in the industry.
In the coming weeks, as investigations proceed and legal actions unfold, the case will continue to attract attention, underscoring the complexities of fame, power, and the pursuit of justice.
