Certified Document
In March 2024, Gold Medalist sent a certified document to Kim Sae-ron, demanding repayment of compensation the agency had paid on her behalf.
“You borrowed ₩686,409,653 from our client on November 22, 2022, with a repayment deadline of December 31, 2023. However, you have failed to make the payment despite the due date passing.”
Gold Medalist warned of civil and criminal legal actions if the full amount (₩700 million) was not repaid promptly.
SOS
At the time, Kim Sae-ron was financially struggling.
“She has been the breadwinner for her family. Paying the compensation has caused severe financial difficulties.” (Kim Sae-ron’s lawyer, first trial)
She was the first artist under Gold Medalist, but her contract renewal was unsuccessful. She likely assumed the debt was implicitly settled.
Faced with legal threats, Kim Sae-ron turned to her former lover, Kim Soo-hyun, for help.
Ignored
Dispatch obtained a message from March 24, 2024, sent from Kim Sae-ron to Kim Soo-hyun.
“Oppa, I’m Sae-ron. I received the certified document. They’re suing me. I can’t come up with ₩700 million immediately. Does it really have to go to court? Please help me. Give me some time.”
Kim Soo-hyun did not respond. In desperation, Kim Sae-ron publicly released a past photo of them together an indirect plea for contact.
No Statement
When Dispatch reached out for a comment, Kim Sae-ron clarified:
“I never said I would issue a statement. It seems my words were misinterpreted.”
She did not want the issue to escalate. The agency later stated they had decided not to collect the debt, considering her situation.
Contradiction
But the agency’s explanation was inconsistent. Kim Sae-ron’s financial status had not changed, yet suddenly, the repayment was no longer required.
The missing link? Kim Soo-hyun.
Tragic End
On February 16, 2025 coincidentally Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday Kim Sae-ron passed away.
In the aftermath, Dispatch reached out to Gold Medalist to clarify details surrounding the financial burden she faced.
Gold Medalist: The production team behind “Bloodhounds” sought 700 million KRW in damages due to her DUI incident. Our company covered the payment on her behalf.
Dispatch: Why, then, did you issue a formal repayment notice?
Gold Medalist: We never expected to receive repayment from Kim Sae Ron. We assumed it wouldn’t be possible. The notice was simply a procedural step to prevent any potential legal issues, such as allegations of corporate misconduct.
Dispatch: Did you inform her that the notice was just a formality?
Gold Medalist: From our understanding, her manager explained the situation at the time. The documentation was necessary for company records.
Dispatch: Yet, Kim Sae Ron appeared extremely distressed after receiving it.
Gold Medalist: She was aware that we had covered the costs. We understood she wouldn’t be able to repay such a large amount. We told her she could settle the debt if and when she earned enough income.
However, Dispatch found discrepancies between Gold Medalist’s statements and Kim Sae Ron’s apparent response. Based on her actions, it seems she felt immense pressure from the notice, suggesting she may not have been reassured that it was merely procedural.
Dispatch: How much of the compensation did Kim Sae Ron personally cover?
Gold Medalist: Her car from the accident was sold as a used vehicle rather than repaired, fetching about 35 million KRW. Beyond that, we did not receive any additional payments from her.
The Villa
Neighbors recalled Kim Sae-ron often crying in the stairwell of her apartment.
“She seemed to be going through a lot. I once comforted her when she was crying.”
They also noticed scars on her wrists.
False Claims?
Gold Medalist denied any romantic connection between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron. However, multiple sources confirmed their past relationship.
Kim Sae-ron was labeled as “self-made” in her dating rumors.
“This time, a self-made marriage?” (January 8, 2025)
While it’s unclear what exactly led to her passing, media scrutiny, public judgment and financial struggles all played a role.
In the end, did Gold Medalist really do their best to protect her?
Sources: Kbizoom