The husband of the late South Korean actress Kim Sae Ron has publicly refuted allegations of assault, blackmail, and obsessiveness surrounding his late wife, releasing a statement on March 25 through the Garo Sero Research Institute addressing what he alleged were "distorted facts."
In a video statement, he shared his perspective on the tumultuous events following Kim's passing, saying, "I questioned whether it was appropriate for me to step up because I'm feeling the pain and can't get out of my own feelings. But I concluded that there was serious misinformation about the deceased, and I am writing this statement to set the facts straight."
According to the husband, who has not been named publicly, he first met Kim Sae Ron in November 2024 through an acquaintance. They legally married in the United States on January 12, 2025, in a private ceremony attended only by witnesses. However, he noted that their marriage was impulsive and they mutually agreed on an annulment due to long-distance challenges and personality differences.
"We fell in love fast and made a quick decision, but ultimately, we realized it wasn’t sustainable," he explained, emphasizing the practical issues that led to their decision. He also disclosed that Kim visited him in the U.S. three times after their initial meeting, asserting that if he had mistreated her, she would not have returned.
Addressing allegations of assault made by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, Kim's husband firmly denied the claims. He insisted that no such incidents occurred, stating, "The current house I live in, here in America, is a quiet apartment complex where the soundproofing is weak at best. If there had been an assault, the floor below would instantly submit a report." He encouraged anyone claiming to have evidence of abuse to release the alleged photos, adding, "I will submit myself to police investigation if you think it's necessary."
In response to accusations of monitoring Kim's movements and social media, he described their relationship as one of "mutual transparency." He explained that they shared passwords to their phones and social media accounts as a measure of trust. "We didn't password-protect each other's cellphones and social media accounts," he said. "Kim Sae Ron borrowed my phone to call people multiple times, and we had no hesitation about sharing our passwords with each other to build trust as a married couple." He also mentioned having a written agreement regarding this arrangement.
Furthermore, he denied claims that he blackmailed Kim into marriage by stating she was pregnant, asserting, "She was not pregnant." The husband revealed that on March 18, 2025, he received anonymous messages from someone claiming to be Kim's cousin, accusing him of blackmail and assault. However, he stated that when he threatened legal action, the person immediately ceased contact.
"I am prepared to request a fair police investigation. Please stop spreading falsehoods about someone who can no longer defend herself," he urged, calling for an end to the misinformation surrounding Kim's life.
Lee Jin Ho had previously alleged that Kim Sae Ron's family kept her marriage to the American man under wraps to involve Kim Soo Hyun in controversy. This revelation came amid a broader conversation about Kim's past relationships and the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.
Reports suggest that Kim Sae Ron's mother was unaware of the marriage, which adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse. As Kim Soo Hyun finds himself embroiled in a dating controversy related to Kim Sae Ron, the public is left wondering about the truth behind these allegations and the impact they have on the late actress's legacy.
Kim Sae Ron, known for her roles in films like The Man from Nowhere and dramas such as The Great Witch Mirror, had garnered significant fame before her passing earlier this year. Her family has yet to respond to her husband's statement, leaving many questions unanswered as the public continues to grapple with the fallout from her tragic death.
The husband concluded his statement by challenging those perpetuating rumors about Kim's personal life to cease their actions. He emphasized the need for respect for Kim's memory, saying, "Stop spreading lies about a deceased person's private life immediately." This ongoing saga has sparked a significant conversation among fans and the general public, highlighting the complexities of relationships and the responsibilities that come with public life.