The bereaved family of Kim Sae-ron has filed a lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho for defamation, following a series of allegations regarding the late actress's relationships. Lee Jin-ho is accused of spreading false information about Kim Sae-ron, particularly concerning her past interactions with fellow actor Kim Soo-hyun. This has prompted Kim Sae-ron’s family to advocate for serious repercussions, considering the pain these rumors have caused.
On March 17, Kim Sae-ron's lawyers submitted a complaint at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, asserting that Lee Jin-ho’s videos misrepresented the truth about Kim Sae-ron's relationships. Attorney Bu Ji-seok, representing the family, expressed their desire for justice, saying, “I wish we could apply murder charges, but defamation doesn’t equate to murder.” The family seeks significant punishment for the damage done to Kim Sae-ron’s reputation through these online accusations.
Adding context to the lawsuit, the family claims that Kim Sae-ron, who tragically passed away last month, suffered tremendously as a result of these public slurs. The allegations included a statement about Kim Sae-ron posting pictures with Kim Soo-hyun, which Lee Jin-ho labeled as a “self-created romance.” This, Kim Sae-ron’s family argues, is a falsehood that has caused emotional pain.
In his defense, attorney Bu revealed that Kim Sae-ron had attempted to reach out to Kim Soo-hyun by sending a heartfelt message saying, “Did you sleep well?” after experiencing emotional turmoil following the first instance of public criticism. According to the family’s account, after not receiving a response, Kim Sae-ron briefly posted a photo with Kim Soo-hyun before later deleting it.
Bu also criticized Lee Jin-ho for allegedly deleting videos about Kim Sae-ron since her death, labeling this as “clear evidence tampering.” The attorney urged for a thorough investigation, suggesting that Lee Jin-ho's actions pointed toward a concerted effort to erase potentially damaging evidence.
As the legal battle unfolds, the bereaved family has also been vocal on social media, claiming that Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun were in a romantic relationship for six years, starting when she was only 15 years old. The family maintains that these claims are well-supported, even releasing text messages and images to buttress their statements through another YouTube channel, Garosero Research Institute.
Korean audiences were stirred further when the agency representing Kim Soo-hyun, Gold Medalist, acknowledged that the two actors dated from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020 but have categorically denied any involvement prior to Kim Sae-ron reaching adulthood. They expressly dismissed any claims suggesting she was a minor during their time together.
On March 18, Gaseyeon uploaded a photo claiming to display messages exchanged between Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun from August 13, 2018. The messages hinted at a secretive communication practice, as Kim Sae-ron supposedly questioned, “Why did you delete KakaoTalk like that?” to which she followed up after several hours with, “This is a phone call. Pick it up.”
The family, however, expressed frustration, insisting that Kim Soo-hyun's actions and silence were deeply hurtful following Kim Sae-ron’s passing. They demanded a sincere public apology from Kim Soo-hyun, emphasizing that her distress during her life stemmed partially from attempts to maintain a relationship that was marred by misunderstandings and public speculation. “We ask Kim Soo-hyun to apologize sincerely without delay,” the family requested.
Furthermore, Gaseyeon claimed that they possess video evidence of Kim Sae-ron on a date with a man presumed to be Kim Soo-hyun. They assert that the release of the video is retaliation against Gold Medalist's assertions that Kim Soo-hyun had never visited Kim Sae-ron's residence. The video purportedly depicts a casual, albeit indistinct interaction, though Kim Soo-hyun’s identity remains unconfirmed.
In response, Gold Medalist has reiterated its stance, dismissing the rumblings of a pre-adult relationship as "groundless rumors.” They carefully stated that any notion that Kim Soo-hyun had dated Kim Sae-ron prior to her becoming an adult is unfounded. The agency openly criticized Gaseyeon for allegedly misrepresenting the nature of photographs and interactions shared between the two actors.
“All claims regarding the relationship during Kim Sae-ron’s minor years are false,” Gold Medalist stated emphatically, asserting their commitment to refuting any misinformation. They highlighted that the two shared personal moments captured in photographs that had become points of contention but added clarifications about their timing.
Kim Sae-ron's bereaved family has expressed their determination to see this case through the legal channels, calling on Kim Soo-hyun and his representatives to take definitive accountability for their actions and the misinformation shared publicly. They hope for clarity in what has become a public relations crisis in which the lives of young stars are put under the magnifying glass of scrutiny.
As the story continues to escalate with both sides trading allegations, the entertainment community watches. The family seeks justice for their loved one as they navigate the complex realm of public opinion, law, and heartfelt loss.
