Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Files Complaints Over Unauthorized Photo

Gold Medalist, the agency managing actor Kim Soo-hyun, has taken legal action against the operator of the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (Gaseyeon), Kim Se-eui, and the family of the late Kim Sae-ron. The accusations stem from the posting of a controversial photo of Kim Soo-hyun, which was taken without his consent. This incident has garnered significant attention in the media, raising questions about privacy, consent, and the responsibilities of social media platforms.

On March 20, 2025, Gold Medalist issued a public statement detailing the legal accusations, citing violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes. The agency emphasized that the photo in question was taken while Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship. Gold Medalist described the act of posting the photo on Gaseyeon's YouTube channel as a criminal act and affirmed their intention to pursue legal action against those responsible.

In their complaint, Gold Medalist expressed deep sorrow over the recent passing of Kim Sae-ron, conveying their condolences while also firmly standing against the crime associated with the unauthorized release of Kim Soo-hyun's photo. They stated, "The photo was taken without consent during Kim Soo-hyun's relationship with Kim Sae-ron, and its public display is not only an invasion of privacy but also could cause significant emotional distress to those involved. This is a clear criminal act."

The agency highlighted that Kim Sae-ron's family has been actively involved in perpetuating misinformation regarding the relationship between their late daughter and Kim Soo-hyun, claiming it began when Kim Sae-ron was just 15 years old. They released several pieces of evidence to support their assertions, including a handwritten letter allegedly from Kim Soo-hyun sent during his military service and photos allegedly depicting intimate moments between the two. In response, Gold Medalist categorically denied any claims that Kim Soo-hyun engaged in a relationship with a minor, stating that the relationship commenced only when Kim Sae-ron reached adulthood in the summer of 2019, concluding in the fall of 2020.

According to Gold Medalist, unsubstantiated claims regarding the financial pressures imposed on Kim Sae-ron have also circulated, with her family alleging that the agency pressured her to pay a 700 million KRW penalty. Gold Medalist rebutted these allegations by asserting that they had covered Kim Sae-ron's debt in full, challenging any narrative that suggests otherwise.

The situation escalated with Kim Sae-ron's family, who accused Gold Medalist of contributing to their daughter's distress, suggesting that the financial pressures and the aftermath of her sudden passing had been overwhelming for them. The family conveyed their grievances through various public appearances and interviews on media outlets, including Gaseyeon, which have stoked ongoing disputes. On March 17, 2025, the family filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police against a YouTuber for defamation related to the spread of misinformation about Kim Sae-ron.

Amid the increasing tension between the two parties, Gold Medalist reiterated their commitment to the legal process and firmly stated their stance against the dissemination of false narratives regarding Kim Soo-hyun. They asserted that such acts are not only damaging to Kim Soo-hyun's reputation but to the memory of Kim Sae-ron, whose family continues to promote damaging rumors online. They expressed hope for a resolution without further escalation but emphasized their readiness to press full legal charges if necessary.

Gold Medalist concluded their statement by addressing the broader issue of privacy rights in the age of social media, demanding respect for personal boundaries and urging that all involved in such disputes take responsible actions to avoid triggering further harm. They emphasized, "We hope that such serious violations of personal privacy will cease to exist in the future. We urge all parties to act with integrity and compassion, especially regarding those who can no longer defend themselves."

The events surrounding this case remain unfolding, drawing significant public attention. As key figures in the Korean entertainment industry, both Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron's stories reflect the complicated intersections of fame, personal lives, and the law. The conversation around privacy versus public interest is expected to continue, as both parties navigate the complicated aftermath of this incident. As the legal proceedings continue, it is clear that the implications of their actions will resonate far beyond the courtroom.