On March 18, 2025, Gold Medalist, the management company of actor Kim Soo Hyun, issued a detailed 12-page statement responding to accusations from Kim Sae Ron's family, made during a press conference and subsequent livestream by the Vien Garo Sero channel. The document aims to clarify the management's position following claims concerning alleged debts and the handling of Kim Sae Ron's contractual commitments.
Gold Medalist asserted firmly, "We have never pressured Kim Sae Ron to repay her debt," pointing out their awareness of the actress's inability to compensate for damages purportedly incurred due to various incidents. This claim came amid accusations from Sae Ron's family alleging undue pressure on her to settle financial issues tied to the film Queen of Tears, which features Kim Soo Hyun.
The company delineated the timeline of their communications, noting they had sent what they termed the "first content verification paper" to Kim Sae Ron on March 15, 2024. This documentation aimed to formally notify her about the financial situation. Following this, on March 25, 2024, Gold Medalist sent another certificate, intended to relieve her concerns and to express their willingness to discuss debt repayment amicably.
During the livestream hosted by Vien Garo Sero on March 17, 2025, allegations were leveled against Gold Medalist, claiming they had threatened Kim Sae Ron to refrain from contacting anyone within the company, including the star Kim Soo Hyun. Gold Medalist firmly rebutted these claims, stating, "We have never made such demands. Kim Sae Ron remains free to communicate with any actors represented by our agency." This indicates the management's intent to clarify their relationship and uphold the public image of their correspondence with Kim Se Ron.
Gold Medalist's representatives recalled, "Any discussions related to the debt should be conducted through the assigned lawyer," emphasizing the legal pathways established. They reinforced their commitment to managing the situation transparently and without coercion directed at the actress.
The controversies surrounding this situation also included claims concerning Seo Ye Ji, another actress associated with Kim Soo Hyun. Gold Medalist addressed rumors alleging collusion with YouTuber Lee Jin Ho—someone accused of generating misinformation about Kim Sae Ron's mental health. "We wish to clarify there is no connection between our agency and Lee Jin Ho, who has been linked with spreading damaging information," they stated. This denial is particularly significant considering the serious mental health concerns voiced by Kim Sae Ron, which included reports of her facing severe distress.
Additionally, Gold Medalist confirmed attending the funeral of the late actress on February 17 and 19, 2025, where they expressed condolences to her family. Contrarily, the family had previously suggested they were not appropriately acknowledged during this time.
Emphasizing their desire to stop the propagation of false information, Gold Medalist remarked, "We hope the family stops spreading falsehoods concerning our company’s involvement and actions." This statement not only aims to clear the agency's reputation but also signals their frustration with the family’s public narrative.
Subsequent to these revelations, Gold Medalist reaffirmed their stance, emphasizing the distinction between business obligations and personal relationships between Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun. The agency communicated the need for financial matters to be viewed strictly within the professional framework rather than entangled with personal ties.
The incident serves as another chapter in the complex relationship dynamics within the South Korean entertainment industry, characterized by emotional and legal challenges. It’s highlighted the necessity for proper boundaries between personal life and professional duties—especially when the stakes are as high as personal reputation and mental well-being.
Despite the weight of the accusations, it is evident from the statements made by Gold Medalist and its representatives, they intend to navigate these challenging waters with transparency and adherence to legal protocols. The unfortunate circumstances surrounding Kim Sae Ron's mental health have sparked wide-ranging conversations about the durability and demands of celebrity pressures, calling attention to the often invisible tolls borne by those within the industry.
With both sides expressing their versions of events and searches for resolution, it stands to be seen how this complex situation will evolve, and if constructive dialogue can replace current animosity. For now, the call for honesty and clarity from Gold Medalist reflects the careful navigation still required amid sensational claims—the very essence of the star-studded yet tumultuous entertainment world.
