On May 9, 2025, South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, announced they have initiated additional legal actions against YouTuber Kim Se-ui, operator of the channel Hoverlab, and the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron. This move intensifies an ongoing legal battle concerning serious allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron.
The legal representatives, L.K.B & Partners, disclosed that the actor has filed complaints for defamation and stalking against Kim Se-ui, as well as a separate defamation suit against Kim Sae-ron’s family. The actor vehemently denies claims made by Kim Se-ui during a press conference on May 7, where he alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron starting when she was a minor.
In a statement, Gold Medalist asserted that Kim Se-ui’s allegations are “absurd and entirely false,” describing them as “complete fabrications, lacking any basis in fact.” The agency has particularly focused on claims that Soo-hyun attempted to bribe an informant with 4 billion KRW (approximately $2.85 million) to obtain a recording that allegedly supports the accusations. Furthermore, during the press conference, Kim Se-ui also claimed that when the informant refused, there was an attempt on their life involving two hired hitmen.
Gold Medalist's statement elaborated, “These claims are difficult to accept even by the standards of common sense,” highlighting the bizarre nature of the allegations that included references to an informant being stabbed nine times in the neck and the supposed involvement of the FBI in a murder conspiracy.
Since March 2025, Hoverlab has been disseminating information regarding an alleged relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, asserting that it began when she was just 15 years old. This claim has been attributed to the family of the late actress, which has further complicated the situation.
Previously, Kim Soo-hyun had acknowledged a relationship with Kim Sae-ron but firmly denied that it began while she was a minor. In light of the ongoing claims, he filed an earlier defamation complaint against both Kim Se-ui and Kim Sae-ron’s family, seeking to clear his name.
During the May 7 press conference, Kim Se-ui and the family announced that they had filed a criminal complaint against Kim Soo-hyun for allegedly violating the Child Welfare Act. They also released an audio recording that they claimed was from Kim Sae-ron, discussing her alleged relationship with the actor. However, Kim’s agency immediately refuted this, labeling the audio as “completely fabricated” and promising to pursue legal action against the creators of the false narrative.
The accusations made by Kim Se-ui included outlandish statements about the supposed involvement of hitmen and the FBI. He claimed that a Korean and a Chinese hitman entered the U.S. via JFK Airport just five days before the alleged crime, and that the investigation was not being handled by local authorities but rather by federal agents.
Gold Medalist has characterized these allegations as reckless and damaging, emphasizing that the claims made by Kim Se-ui are not only baseless but also constitute a serious crime under South Korean law. The statement from L.K.B & Partners stressed that the agency would take all necessary measures to ensure that those responsible for spreading false information are held accountable.
In light of the serious nature of these allegations, Kim Soo-hyun and Gold Medalist are committed to pursuing justice through the legal system. They maintain that the truth will prevail and that the actions taken by Kim Se-ui and the family of Kim Sae-ron represent a grave injustice against the actor.
The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing developments expected as both parties prepare for what may become a protracted legal battle. The public and fans alike are watching closely as this high-profile case unfolds, raising questions about the responsibilities of media figures and the impact of social media on personal reputations.
As the legal actions progress, there is a growing concern about the implications of such allegations within the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the treatment of young actors and the responsibilities of those who report on their lives. The case has sparked discussions about the need for more stringent regulations on media reporting and the potential consequences of unfounded claims.
In the meantime, Kim Soo-hyun continues to focus on his career while seeking to protect his reputation from the damaging effects of these allegations. His agency has vowed to take swift action against any further defamatory statements and to ensure that the truth is brought to light.
As this legal saga continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the power of words and the importance of accountability in the age of digital media.
