The family of the late Kim Sae Ron is using digital forensics to substantiate claims of a romantic relationship with actor Kim Soo Hyun, amid ongoing controversy.
On March 19, 2025, Kim Sae Ron’s family announced plans to pursue digital forensic analysis to prove that a relationship existed between their daughter and Kim Soo Hyun when she was a minor. The family alleges this relationship commenced when Kim Sae Ron was just 15 years old while Kim Soo Hyun was 27. In contrast, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that no such romantic involvement occurred while she was still a child.
The family’s quest for validation follows their discontent with the agency's previous statements refuting their claims, which articulated a clear denial of any romantic relationship during Kim Sae Ron’s formative years. They are seeking both an apology and recognition of their assertions regarding the timeline of the relationship.
Particularly embittered by the agency's response, the deceased's family questions the absence of Kim Soo Hyun at Kim Sae Ron's funeral despite their purported long-term relationship. The discord surrounding this narrative has attracted significant media scrutiny, particularly as the Garo Sero Institute is on the brink of revealing further tangible evidence, including a video allegedly documenting moments shared by the couple.
In a recent statement, Gold Medalist rebuffed claims made by Kim Sae Ron's family and highlighted their willingness to support the actress, claiming there had been misunderstandings about their financial dealings with her. They stated, "As stated in our previous statement, we sent a notice by mail to inform Kim Sae Ron that our claims against her were in a 'non-recoverable' state, allowing us to write off the debt and eliminate any potential for occupational breach of trust by our executives," effectively managing their public image as they navigate the increasing pressure.
The agency has faced accusations that it attempted to extort money from Kim Sae Ron following her DUI incident in 2022, where reports indicated that they first demanded ₩20 billion KRW (approximately $13.7 million USD) before subsequently reducing their claim to ₩700 million KRW ($480,000 USD). The allegations intensified with further assertions made by Kim Sae Ron's family that these demands for financial repayment contributed significantly to her stress and eventual tragic death on February 16, 2025, coincidentally the birthday of Kim Soo Hyun.
In reaction to the resurfacing allegations against Gold Medalist, the agency reiterated that they processed the entirety of Kim Sae Ron’s debt as an uncollectible account expense after receiving an audit report on April 1, 2024. Such statements are part of a more extensive strategy by Gold Medalist to declaim misconceptions surrounding their interactions with the late actress.
The situation has prompted the agency to look for corroborative evidence, having reached out to officials and acquaintances closely associated with Kim Sae Ron. Meanwhile, they are also reportedly preparing for a press conference to publicize their findings and solidify their position.
Further complicating the narrative, a widely circulated video claimed to show a youthful Kim Sae Ron with an unidentified male testing a massage device allegedly linked to Kim Soo Hyun. However, Gold Medalist asserted their skepticism regarding this footage, stating, “The person in the photo from June 23, 2017 is not Kim Soo Hyun.” The agency is seeking to counter the emerging narrative fueled by the various releases, including documents from Garo Sero.
As the escalating scandal widens, observers have noted the growing backlash not only against Gold Medalist but also Kim Soo Hyun himself, with the actor allegedly losing brand endorsements as a result of the unfavorable attention directed toward him. In particular, the luxury fashion brand Prada has severed ties amidst rising scrutiny.
Meanwhile, underlining the public's interest, various online channels, including the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, showcase how discussions surrounding the alleged relationship have captivated audiences, leading to intense discourse among fans and followers, as speculation continues to arise.
The continuing breakdown between Kim Sae Ron's family and Gold Medalist poses significant implications regarding public perception, celebrity responsibility, and the role the digital evidence can play in navigating such scandals.
