On March 14, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, issued an official statement denying the claims previously made by YouTuber Garo Sero. In particular, the agency insisted that Kim Soo Hyun did not date Kim Sae Ron since when the late actress was a minor, and their relationship was actually from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after the actress became an adult.
They also revealed the full timeline of photos that feature Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun in intimate pose, claiming that none of them were taken in 2016. The content of the full statement has been updated HERE.
Meanwhile, previously on March 10, Gold Medalist released a statement rejecting claims made by YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, stating, “The allegations made by GaroSaero Research Institute regarding actor Kim Soo Hyun are entirely false. The channel claimed that our agency and Kim Soo Hyun collaborated with YouTuber Lee Jin Ho to harass the late Kim Sae Ron. They also alleged that Kim Sae Ron was in a romantic relationship with Kim Soo Hyun from the age of 15, that our agency mishandled her DUI incident, and that one of our managers had a close relationship with YouTuber Lee Jin Ho. These accusations are malicious and baseless.”
The agency further emphasized, “We cannot overlook these false claims and are currently reviewing the strongest possible legal actions against the spread of misinformation by GaroSaero Research Institute.”
Gold Medalist’s Response to Kim Sae Ron’s Passing
Gold Medalist also expressed their condolences over Kim Sae Ron’s tragic passing:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kim Sae Ron, who was once part of our agency. However, the false information being spread by GaroSaero Research Institute only continues the same type of cyber harassment that she suffered while alive. This is not only damaging to our company but also an act of defamation against the late actress. We will take strict action against this.”
The agency concluded by urging the public:
“We sincerely request that these groundless rumors no longer be circulated, expanded, or reproduced.”
Background on the Allegations
The controversy arose after GaroSaero Research Institute uploaded a video titled “Kim Soo Hyun Drove Kim Sae Ron to Her Death.” The channel’s representative, Kim Se Ui, claimed to have spoken with Kim Sae Ron’s family and alleged that:
1. Kim Sae Ron was in a six-year relationship with Kim Soo Hyun, starting when she was a minor.
2. Gold Medalist demanded repayment of 700 million KRW (~$525,000) from Kim Sae Ron for handling the aftermath of her DUI accident.
Kim Soo Hyun has not personally responded yet, but his agency has taken an official stance of complete denial and is preparing legal action.