On March 10, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, announced their official stance against the Garo Sero Institute's claims, labeling them as blatant falsehoods. The agency's statement came as a response to allegations made by the controversial YouTube channel, which accused Kim of colluding with YouTuber Lee Jin-ho to defame the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
Garo Sero Institute suggested on their YouTube broadcast not only did Kim Soo-hyun and Lee Jin-ho conspire to harass Kim Sae-ron, but they also claimed she had been involved romantically with Kim since the age of 15. Gold Medalist firmly denounced these claims, asserting, “The allegations made by Garo Sero Institute are entirely unfounded and cannot be overlooked.”
Gold Medalist expressed deep concern over how such defamatory statements tarnish the memory of Kim Sae-ron, who had previously faced immense scrutiny and challenges during her career. The agency stated, “This spread of false information is akin to the behaviors of 'Cyber Lecca', which only seek to harm the reputation of both our agency and the deceased.”
Kim Sae-ron's family also voiced their frustration, particularly her father, who detailed the emotional toll these public opinions had on his daughter. He mentioned incidents when his daughter was overwhelmed by online harassment, intensified by the false narratives propagated by online figures. The father passionately criticized Lee Jin-ho for his controversial statements about Kim's behavior during her time of self-reflection, implying they contributed to her distress.
For example, on January 8, Lee Jin-ho had released a video accusing Kim Sae-ron of partying during her time of atonement following her drunk driving incident. He claimed Kim had deleted her number due to the backlash from recent controversies, portraying her actions as irresponsible. “It seems the public is turning against her,” Lee concluded, which only deepened the emotional struggles Kim faced.
Tragically, Kim Sae-ron was found dead on February 16, adding weight to the criticisms directed at figures like Lee Jin-ho, who contributed to the negative media environment surrounding her. This led to increased calls from the public for accountability among those who create sensationalized content about public figures.
Following Kim’s death, many criticized Lee for his earlier videos, resulting in him making them private. Kim Sae-ron's family said they are now seeking legal penalties against Lee for the distress caused within their family due to his content. “We are collecting evidence with legal professionals to pursue those who contributed to our suffering,” her father stated during interviews.
A petition has also emerged on the National Assembly's e-Petition site advocating for stricter regulations on entertainment reporting, especially from YouTuber channels whose content could lead to harmful repercussions. This petition gathered over 7,667 signatures not long after its posting, reflecting the public's demand for reform.
Gold Medalist concluded their statement with strong resolve, reinforcing the importance of safeguarding the reputation of those who cannot defend themselves. They noted, “We are considering the strongest legal measures we can take against Garo Sero Institute for their fabrications.” These events remind the public of the significant impact celebrity culture can have on individuals' mental health and highlight the need for responsible journalism.
Through these mounting pressures and public outcries against online harassment, Kim Sae-ron’s tragic story adds to the conversation about mental health and bullying within the entertainment sphere. The strict measures being discussed aim not only at holding individuals accountable but also at creating safer environments for everyone within and beyond celebrity circles.
While emotional pain cannot always be seen, the effects of careless narratives can resonate deeply. Support systems and thoughtful dialogue must guide future discussions surrounding mental health, especially as it pertains to public figures. The family of Kim Sae-ron hopes their efforts lead to meaningful changes across the industry.