Actor Kim Soo-hyun has publicly refuted recent claims made by the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute (Gaseyeon) alleging he had a prior romantic relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. On March 10, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun's management agency, Gold Medalist, labeled these allegations as 'clearly false.'
According to statements from Gold Medalist, Gaseyeon's broadcast asserted various damaging claims, including allegations of Kim Soo-hyun colluding with YouTuber Lee Jin-ho to defame Kim Sae-ron. The channel alleged the two were romantically involved for six years starting when Kim Sae-ron was just 15 years old. It also accused Gold Medalist of inadequately handling Kim Sae-ron's drunk driving incident and suggested ties between the agency's management and Lee Jin-ho.
Gold Medalist did not take these claims lightly, telling the media: "The statements made by Gaseyeon are absolutely unacceptable and false. We are considering taking the strongest legal action possible against them for disseminated false information." This reflects not just Kim Soo-hyun's position but also the agency's commitment to defending both their reputation and the legacy of the late actress.
The agency also expressed its sense of grief over Kim Sae-ron's death, stating it commemorates her memory and feels sorrowful about the misleading narratives being circulated. Gold Medalist insisted, "Such spread of false information mimics the behaviors related to so-called 'cyber recka' during Kim Sae-ron's life, unjustly causing harm to the deceased’s reputation for the profit of others.”
Following the emergence of romance rumors last March involving Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, the former firmly denied such speculations, branding them as 'groundless.' The recent allegations not only rehash past controversy but complicate the remembrance of Kim Sae-ron, who had her share of public scrutiny during her life.
Gold Medalist cautioned the public and media against amplifying these falsehoods, urging, "We sincerely request those who engage with this content not to propagate or reproduce unsubstantiated claims." This kind of preventive action demonstrates the agency's intention to protect both its clients and the dignity of individuals who are no longer able to defend themselves.
The incident raises broader issues of celebrity culture and the impact of social media, where rumors can swiftly spread, potentially causing lasting damage not only to living individuals but also to those who have passed. Shielding vulnerable figures from defamation and pursuing accountability through legal channels serves as part of Gold Medalist's strategy to counteract the harms of misinformation.