On March 27, 2025, the bereaved family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron held a press conference in Seocho-gu, Seoul, to address ongoing rumors and to present evidence regarding her alleged relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun during her teenage years. The family, represented by lawyer Boo Ji-seok, aimed to clarify the circumstances surrounding Kim Sae-ron's tragic death and to halt the spread of misinformation.
During the press conference, which took place at the Space Share Gangnam Station Center at 1:30 PM, Boo Ji-seok expressed the family's desire to put an end to what he termed "meaningless fact-checking". He stated, "We put a stop to spreading rumors and do not want any more meaningless fact-checking after today's press conference." This statement underscored the family's frustration with the public discourse surrounding Kim Sae-ron's life and death.
The legal representative revealed that the family felt compelled to disclose details about Kim Sae-ron's relationship with Kim Soo-hyun to counteract false narratives that have emerged since her passing. Boo emphasized that the family was motivated to take this step due to the harmful allegations and ridicule directed at Kim Sae-ron, particularly from YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, whom they are pursuing legal action against for defamation.
Evidence presented at the press conference included KakaoTalk messages exchanged between Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun from June 24 and June 26, 2016. These messages were intended to substantiate claims of their relationship during her minor years. The family also shared a certificate of content received in 2023, a photo of Kim Sae-ron expressing remorse at the time, and a letter that Kim Soo-hyun never sent. Through these disclosures, the bereaved family aimed to clarify the timeline of events and dispel any lingering doubts about the nature of Kim Sae-ron's relationship with the actor.
Boo Ji-seok highlighted the emotional toll that the public scrutiny has taken on the bereaved family. He stated, "The family is suffering from extreme anxiety and mental and physical pain," further urging the public to cease the defamation. The press conference was not only a platform for presenting evidence but also a plea for compassion towards the grieving family.
The legal representative reiterated the family's position that the press conference was not meant to delve into the reasons behind Kim Sae-ron's suicide but rather to bring closure to the ongoing speculation. Boo Ji-seok remarked, "This event is not intended to clarify the reasons for the deceased's decision to end her life. We want to express that we do not wish to engage in any more meaningless disputes over the truth from today onward." This statement reflects the family's desire to move past the controversy and focus on healing.
The press conference also aimed to shine a light on the broader issues of mental health and the impact of public scrutiny on individuals in the entertainment industry. The family hopes that by sharing their story, they can foster a more compassionate understanding of the pressures faced by public figures, especially those who are young and vulnerable.
As the press conference concluded, the bereaved family expressed their hope that the evidence presented would not only clarify the situation but also lead to a cessation of the harmful narratives surrounding Kim Sae-ron. They reiterated their commitment to pursuing justice for their loved one while advocating for a more respectful discourse regarding mental health and the lives of those in the spotlight.
The tragic death of Kim Sae-ron has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of media and social media influencers when discussing sensitive topics involving public figures. As the family continues to seek justice and clarity, they hope that their actions will encourage a more thoughtful approach to reporting on such matters in the future.
