On March 20, 2025, the South Korean talent agency Gold Medalist announced that they are taking legal action against the operator of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute and the bereaved family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron. The agency's fierce stance revolves around the unauthorized release of private photos of actor Kim Soo-hyun which were allegedly exposed in a live broadcast by Garo Sero Institute.
In the statement issued by Gold Medalist, they clarified that the photos being circulated are highly inappropriate, taken during a period when Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship. "Kim Soo-hyun's photo was taken when he and the adult Kim Sae-ron were dating. It's a photo that shouldn't be publicized and could induce sexual shame," Gold Medalist stated, emphasizing the gravity of the invasion of privacy that their actor is experiencing.
The legal representatives for Gold Medalist, the law firm ELKAY B&PARTNERS, elaborated on the reasons for the formal complaints, specifying violations against the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes, especially regarding the unauthorized distribution of filmed content. They stated, "Garo Sero Institute has stated they will continue to release similar photos, which is a clear criminal act." The agency feels forced to take strong legal action to protect Kim Soo-hyun and prevent further dissemination of such content.
The controversy escalated when Garo Sero Institute claimed that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron had been dating since 2015, coinciding with the timeline when Kim Sae-ron was 15 years old. However, Gold Medalist pushed back against this narrative, affirming that while the two did indeed date, their relationship began when Kim Sae-ron was an adult, specifically from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. "Gold Medalist cannot ignore the serious acts of distributing the photo without consent and will proceed with legal action against the bereaved family," their statement declared, further announcing their intent to defend their artist's reputation.
The legal implications of this case stretch beyond just the two parties involved. It raises significant questions about how the public consumes and shares private moments of celebrities. When the distinction between public interest and private life blurs, it can lead to hurtful outcomes not only for the individuals concerned but also encourages a culture of silence around the need for consent.
Following the release of the photos, the agency expressed concerns over the ongoing threats made by Garo Sero Institute, who indicated they would continue to release more private images. This ongoing harassment has compelled Gold Medalist to pursue all necessary legal avenues to safeguard Kim Soo-hyun from any future violations.
The agency also mentioned that they refrained from taking immediate legal action against Kim Sae-ron's family following her tragic death, as they were in mourning. However, the distribution of the revealing photographs and the continued circulation of false narratives have pushed them to act decisively. Further complicating matters, Garo Sero Institute has been accused of spreading additional misinformation that may further tarnish the reputations of those involved.
Gold Medalist’s decision to file grievances against Garo Sero Institute is not only a protective measure for Kim Soo-hyun but also serves as a potential precedent for how similar cases may be handled within the entertainment industry in South Korea moving forward. As discussions about the rights of celebrities to manage their private lives grow, this case stands out as pivotal.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Sae-ron, and Garo Sero Institute underlines the delicate balance between public scrutiny and personal privacy that finds itself at the forefront of celebrity culture. The outcome of these legal actions may very well influence how similar cases are dealt with in the future and ensures that the standards for privacy are upheld in a world that often sacrifices these rights for sensational stories.
