On March 18, 2025, the legal team representing South Korean actor Kim Soo-Hyun issued a detailed 12-page letter addressing serious accusations leveled against him by the family of actress Kim Sae-Ron, who tragically passed away earlier this year. The letter, put forth by his agency, Gold Medalist, categorically refutes claims of "sasaeng" behavior—overly obsessive fan conduct—and any undue pressure exerted on Kim Sae-Ron.
The controversy erupted following Kim Sae-Ron’s Instagram post, which included a photo of her with Kim Soo-Hyun. Gold Medalist clarified this post was not intended to intimidate Kim Sae-Ron but to prevent misinterpretations and the potential fallout from the misunderstanding. According to the agency, the narrative surrounding the photo has been distorted, particularly by the Garosero Research Institute, leading to public misinterpretation.
Among the myriad of allegations, the agency also addressed the issue of outstanding debts reportedly owed by Kim Sae-Ron, asserting these claims had been amicably resolved as early as March 2024. The agency disclosed how Kim Sae-Ron expressed gratitude for their handling of the matter and denied ever imposing any repayment deadlines, emphasizing the resolution was reached without coercion. The legal correspondence accused Garosero of manipulating real events to mislead the public.
Adding to the drama, Lee Jin-Ho, a YouTuber involved, dismissed claims of colluding with Gold Medalist, asserting his reporting was entirely independent. His repeated denials of Kim and Sae-Ron’s relationship not only mischaracterized her but also exacerbated her mental distress before her untimely death. Lee Jin-Ho responded through his channel on March 18, stating, "I fully respect the position of the bereaved family who lost their child," and highlighted factual inaccuracies being propagated.
During the related press conference on March 17, Kim Sae-Ron’s family, represented by attorney Bu Ji-seok, demanded justice and announced their intent to pursue legal action against Lee Jin-Ho for alleged defamation. They are also considering actions against Kim Soo-Hyun, requesting him to issue a sincere public apology. This legal move signifies their acknowledgment of their daughter's struggles exacerbated by misleading information from the YouTuber.
The family declared, "This press conference marks the beginning of our first lawsuit, and we will continue to take legal action from this point on." They prepared to dismantle the distorted narratives surrounding Kim Sae-Ron’s personal life, emphasizing her prior relationship with Kim Soo-Hyun, which, according to them, negatively impacted her mental health.
Adding another layer to the complexity of this story, Kim Sae-Ron’s family advanced serious allegations against Lee Jin-Ho for negatively portraying her and suggested attempts to erase evidence surrounding their relationship. Allegations ensued related to Lee's deletion of past videos containing content about Kim Sae-Ron’s relationship with Kim Soo-Hyun after her death, which the family argues evidence destruction.
The family’s emotional response to situations leading to Kim Sae-Ron’s death is coupled with their allegations against Kim Soo-Hyun. They believe the struggles she faced, including potential financial duress linked to her relationships and agency dealings, played pivotal roles. Subsequently, Kim’s passing resulted from this accumulated distress exacerbated by rumors and misinformation.
Gold Medalist also found itself contending with severe backlash as large brands reconsidered their relationships with Kim Soo-Hyun, stemming from accusations concerning the timing of his relationship with the actress. Kim, once the face of various luxury brands, witnessed significant fallout, with companies like Prada and Dinto severing ties due to the increasing negativity surrounding his image. Ahn Ji-Hye, CEO of Dinto, stated all promotional activities concerning Kim were put on hold amid the growing scrutiny.
His Instagram followership plummeted from over 21 million to approximately 20.3 million, as fans reacted to the controversies. A major fan account, with over 460,000 followers, announced their withdrawal of support, reflecting the growing discontent among his fanbase.
Meanwhile, the agency faced accusations of extorting Kim Sae-Ron post-breakup, demanding exorbitant penalties before reducing their claims significantly amid public outcry. Both Kim Soo-Hyun and Gold Medalist have since dismissed these claims, describing them as false and defamatory.
Despite the intense scrutiny and legal momentum, Kim Soo-Hyun stayed largely silent, prompting criticisms from Sae-Ron’s family who expressed disappointment at his lack of response to their outreach for support during their daughter’s financial hardships.
Almost two months after Kim Sae-Ron’s death, the public finds itself divided as supporters rally around the grieving family seeking accountability for the cultures of toxicity surrounding celebrity relationships and pressures exacerbated by the media and social platforms. The continuing legal battles will likely shed more light on the specific elements contributing to Kim Sae-Ron's tragic story and the engagements of the individuals involved.
The repercussions within the consumer market and social media responses create palpable pressure, potentially reshaping paradigms surrounding the conduct of high-profile individuals within the entertainment industry. For now, many are watching closely as developments unfurl!
