The mother of deceased actress Kim Sae-ron expressed profound grief and reflections on her daughter's life in a heartfelt message released through the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Institute' on March 20, 2025. In three handwritten letters, she reminisced about her daughter, lamenting how she couldn't be by her side during her final moments.
In one poignant letter, she wrote, "My beloved daughter Sae-ron, are you in a warm place? Are you okay?" demonstrating her enduring emotional connection and longing for her daughter. The mother, visibly distressed, mentioned that she is still haunted by memories of her daughter’s laughter, saying, "I can still hear your chatter beside me." She regrets not being there to support her in her last moments and reflects on the constraints she placed on her daughter, recognizing now how those restrictions may have contributed to her distress.
Further complicating the family's narrative is the wave of rumors surrounding Kim Sae-ron after her passing. On March 19, 2025, YouTuber Lee Jin-ho released an audio recording alleging that Kim had married abroad and suffered a miscarriage before her death. This claim has since stirred significant public interest and speculation, further amplifying the family's distress.
Following the release of Lee's recording, Kim Sae-ron's relatives came forward asserting that she had been in a romantic relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun since she was a minor, alleging inappropriate circumstances surrounding their relationship. However, Kim Soo-hyun's agency quickly rebutted these claims, stating the two dated from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after Kim Sae-ron had reached adulthood. This counter-narrative aimed to dispel the controversial image being painted by Kim Sae-ron's acquaintances.
The agency, Gold Medalist, has also indicated plans to pursue legal action against those propagating these harmful allegations, highlighting violations of the Special Act on the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Violence Crimes regarding the distribution of intimate materials without consent.
In her letters, Kim Sae-ron's mother expressed her sorrow at the public narrative that has emerged in the wake of her daughter's tragic death. She stated, "I’m being told to explain myself. Why? I simply could not let you go like this... I just wanted you to apologize for being labeled a liar and to ensure nothing like this happens again." Her emotional turmoil is further emphasized as she conveys her feelings of being silenced by societal expectations and the media frenzy surrounding her daughter's legacy.
As the letters unfolded, the mother reflected on her regrets, stating, "If only I had been there for you at that moment, I might have helped you. I always told you to be careful and not to reveal yourself too much to the world, thinking I was protecting you. I see now that I was perhaps only limiting you further." This acknowledgment of guilt underscores the mother's struggles with her daughter’s misfortunes post-accident and during the controversies that followed.
Kim Sae-ron’s mother also remarked on her daughter’s trials following a drunk driving incident in 2022 that led to public scrutiny and stigma. She recalled, "You fought so hard, but I was not strong enough to fight alongside you. You must have been in agony through those years." The letters provide a glimpse into the profound sadness and disorientation felt by those closest to the actress as they grapple with her untimely passing.
Adding to the complexity of the narrative, Lee Jin-ho alleged on March 19 that Kim Sae-ron had been married and had gone through a miscarriage, claims vehemently denied by her family. Kim Sae-ron’s family stressed through 'Garo Sero Institute' that they were unaware of any marriage or pregnancy, raising suspicions about the accuracy of the leaked information.
With each passing day, the battle for Kim Sae-ron’s narrative continues as her family aims to defend her character against what they describe as defamatory remarks. Kim Soo-hyun’s agency indicated that they would pursue all available avenues to protect his reputation, indicating a larger battle between public perception and personal truth.
As the drama unfolds, the public remains glued to updates surrounding this tragic story. Both families seem to be caught in a web of speculation, grief, and a search for justice amid a sea of misinformation, with Kim Sae-ron's mother urging an end to the cycle of exploitation. She closed her letters with a heartfelt apology: "I promise to allow you to rest now. I will send you off quietly without any further uproar." This poignant promise captures the deep sorrow and fierce love that can exist even amid tragedy.
