Kim Soo Hyun vs. Kim Sae Ron’s Family: Legal Battle Intensifies Over Allegations, Headed to National Forensic Service
The heated legal standoff between actor Kim Soo-hyun and the bereaved family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has taken a serious turn, with the dispute now advancing to South Korea’s National Forensic Service (NFS).
This follows the Seoul Eastern District Court’s decision on May 20 to approve a provisional seizure of Kim Soo Hyun’s property in Galleria Forêt, worth ₩3 billion KRW (~$2.2 million USD). The request came from medical device firm CLASSYS, which had appointed Kim as the face of their brand Volnewmer before the scandal erupted.
Kim’s legal counsel, attorney Bang Sung-hoon from LKB & Partners, clarified the situation: “It’s true that provisional seizure was granted, but Kim Soo Hyun is the victim of criminal slander by Garo Sero Institute. Their false claims that Kim dated and exploited the underage Kim Sae Ron led to these consequences. The blame lies with the instigators, not Kim.”
To challenge the allegations, Kim’s team has called for a forensic review by the NFS to verify the authenticity of audio and chat logs circulated by Garo Sero Institute. These pieces of supposed “evidence” include manipulated KakaoTalk messages, voice recordings, and images allegedly proving a relationship between Kim and Kim Sae Ron during her minor years.
Kim Soo Hyun contends that their romantic relationship started in 2019, when Kim Sae Ron was of legal age, and ended in 2020. In contrast, Garo Sero Institute and Sae Ron’s family claim their relationship began as early as late 2015 and lasted until mid-2021.
The defamation fallout is substantial. In addition to CLASSYS, three other companies are suing Kim for damages totaling approximately ₩3.3 billion KRW. In response, Kim Soo Hyun has launched a ₩11 billion KRW countersuit against Garo Sero Institute and Kim Sae Ron’s family for defamation and violation of his privacy. He has also filed criminal complaints, including under sexual violence laws and the Information and Communications Network Act, targeting Garo Sero Institute figurehead Kim Se-ui. Courts have already granted seizure orders on Kim Se-ui’s property and bank accounts.
Meanwhile, Kim Sae Ron’s family filed their own lawsuit, accusing Kim Soo Hyun of violating child welfare laws and filing a false report.
Amid the escalating chaos, Kim Soo Hyun’s fans have begun boycotting brands like CLASSYS in solidarity with the actor.
This legal drama, filled with conflicting narratives and manipulated materials, now hinges on forensic analysis to reveal the truth marking a pivotal moment in the case.