On March 15, 2025, the controversial case surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron took yet another dramatic turn as additional details emerged from the bereaved family of Kim Sae-ron. The YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, also known as Gaseyeon, published statements and photographs related to the two actors, igniting public outrage and debates over the nature of their relationship.
Gaseyeon recently released photos of Kim Soo-hyun at Kim Sae-ron's residence, allegedly captured without pants. They described the actor as wearing only a long t-shirt, termed as cozy or nightwear, stating, “This is shown to be the kind of garment worn during relaxation.” This alarming disclosure drew attention to the timeline of their connection during Kim Sae-ron's teenage years.
Members of Kim Sae-ron’s family have openly accused Kim Soo-hyun of being involved with their daughter since she was still underage, which they want him to publicly acknowledge. They called for apologies from both Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, for denying any relationship during the previous three years. The family expressed their hope for Kim Soo-hyun to recognize Kim Sae-ron’s contributions as a founding member of their management and formally apologize for statements made about the 'lack of scandal,' which surfaced just days after Kim Sae-ron’s tragic death.
The family also referenced financial claims amounting to 700 million won against Kim Sae-ron as part of their demands, which include formal acknowledgments and apologies. Their statement emphasized their primary desire for clear apologies rather than any sensational details about Kim Soo-hyun.
Kim Sae-ron's family insists they felt compelled to share the photographs to combat misinformation propagated by YouTuber Lee Jin-ho—who previously alleged the relationship was non-existent—by demonstrating Kim Soo-hyun's direct connection. They intend to take legal action against him for spreading falsehoods and misinterpretations of their private matters.
This narrative complicated issues considerably after Mandeok Woo, the representative of Gaseyeon, reiterated these claims during his live broadcast. He stated, “Kim Soo-hyun fabricated Kim Sae-ron's image, marking her as untruthful and suffering from mental ailment due to her age. We are aware of the dating span starting from November 19, 2015, until July 7, 2021.” This six-year period suggested connections from her early adolescence.
Gold Medalist countered these assertions, clarifying their position claiming Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron dated only after she turned 18. On March 13, the agency planned to issue clarifications concerning these circulated allegations but unexpectedly released their notice the next day after the tumultuous Gaseyeon broadcast.
They emphasized, “These allegations are utterly false and constitute severe defamation; suitable legal action will be undertaken.” Stemming from the emotional strain caused by the situation, Kim Soo-hyun has been facing heightened mental pressure, particularly after inappropriate exposures concerning his past with Kim Sae-ron.
Following her daughter’s tragic death, which reportedly stemmed from mental health struggles, Kim Sae-ron’s mother publicly addressed the distress resulting from the media's portrayal. She criticized the suggestion by Gaseyeon, indicating Kim Sae-ron misrepresented herself and denied she was ever deceitful or engaged with morally questionable acts. The contents of Kim Sae-ron’s diary, expected to detail the true nature of her relationship, potentially act as new evidence moving forward.
Along these lines, she exemplified her experiences during these last weeks, stating, “Our goal remains to restore our daughter’s dignity and address the incessant defamation through legal means. The media needs to recognize the responsibility for their actions.”
She expressed her displeasure toward those who continued to propagate harmful narratives, asserting, “Her name and reputation have been tarnished due to such consistent falsehoods. No parent should see their child subjected to this kind of public humiliation.”
Despite the sensationalist tones prevailing throughout, attempts have been made from various parties to address the responsibility of media and regulate how future tragic events and personal relationships are covered.
Currently, Kim Sae-ron's family is preparing to file formal complaints against those responsible for sharing innuendos and additional defamatory content meant to exploit the situation. Their actions reflect not only grieving but an earnest wish to strip back the layers of deception blanket upon their family during this painful period.
The bewildering sequence of events arising from these claims will trigger significant legal scrutiny, seeking to clarify the chaotic mix of relationships, mental health challenges, and untimely death. How the public discourse evolves surrounding this incident is likely to redefine how celebrity relationships are perceived and reported.
This deeply emotive scenario encapsulates the intersection of fame and personal tragedy wherein alleged relationships have life-altering ramifications. The trauma continues for all involved, highlighting the urgent need for compassion amid sensationalism.
Kim Sae-ron, whose life ended prematurely, leaves behind unresolved questions over her longevity within the industry and the connections she's formed. Those seeking to reveal the truth are bound to face community resistance and legal battles amid the chaos. Only time will tell how these events will shape the future discourse within both media outlets and public consciousness surrounding similar events.