Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has taken legal action against the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute and the bereaved family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
On March 20, 2025, Gold Medalist announced that they filed a complaint concerning the posting of a photo of Kim Soo-hyun, purportedly featuring him in a state of undress, which was revealed by the Garo Sero Institute. This photo was reportedly taken while Kim Soo-hyun was reportedly dating Kim Sae-ron, who was a minor at the time.
Gold Medalist’s representative emphasized the serious nature of the photo’s publication, stating that it could potentially elicit sexual interest and is a clear violation of the law, specifically under the Special Act on the Punishment of Crimes Committed by Using a Camera.
In their official statement, Gold Medalist reiterated that the photo should not have been made public, highlighting its inappropriate nature. They further stressed that publicizing such an image is tantamount to a criminal act, laying the groundwork for their impending legal battle.
According to the agency, the allegations levied by Kim Sae-ron’s bereaved family claim that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship for six years, starting from 2015 when Kim Sae-ron was just 15 years old, and raise further accusations against him regarding his conduct after an incident involving Kim Sae-ron in 2022.
Responding to these claims, Kim Soo-hyun initially denied any romantic involvement prior to Kim Sae-ron attaining adulthood but later expressed that they did indeed date between 2019 and 2020.
The situation took a significant turn when Garo Sero Institute aired this contentious photo claiming it was taken with the consent of Kim Sae-ron's family. This assertion serves as a flashpoint in an already complex and emotionally charged case.
Gold Medalist expressed deep sorrow over the untimely death of Kim Sae-ron while simultaneously condemning the actions of both the Garo Sero Institute and the bereaved family for perpetuating alleged falsehoods. The agency insists that the ongoing circulation of misinformation online has exacerbated the anguish felt by all parties involved.
Despite their prior hesitance in pursuing legal action against the bereaved family out of respect for Kim Sae-ron's passing, Gold Medalist felt compelled to retaliate against what they deemed a serious act of defamation and invasion of privacy.
In a broader context, this incident raises significant issues regarding consent and media ethics, especially in light of the sensitive nature of the claims and the implications of disseminating private images. The events following Kim Sae-ron's death have placed a spotlight on the challenges facing the entertainment industry, navigating both personal tragedy and public scrutiny.
As the legal case unfolds, Gold Medalist warns that if Kim Sae-ron’s family continues to spread false information, they will have no choice but to escalate their response legally to protect their reputation and that of Kim Soo-hyun.
As it stands, the entertainment community watches intently, both for the outcome of this saga and for the potential ramifications it might invoke in the realm of privacy rights.
The tragic narrative intertwining Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron draws attention to critical societal questions regarding consent, accountability, and the responsibilities of public figures to confront the repercussions of their actions.
In an era where celebrity culture often becomes entangled with ethical dilemmas, how celebrities handle their public image, and the intricate web of personal relationships often results in dire consequences.
With the continued evolution of social media's role in the dissemination of information, cases like this underline the importance of responsible communication, particularly in the sphere of public interest.
As court proceedings are anticipated, the future implications for all parties adhere to the intricate balance between personal privacy and the press's pursuit of sensational content.
Ultimately, this situation remains fluid, and as legal dimensions continue to surface, the impact of this case will likely resonate far beyond the individuals involved.
