Kim Soo-hyun Strikes Back: Takes Legal Action Over Leaked Undressed Photo, Targets Garo Sero and Kim Sae-ron’s Family
Actor Kim Soo-hyun has taken legal action against Garo Sero Research Institute (Garo Sero), a controversial YouTube channel, as well as individuals from late actress Kim Sae-ron’s family, for leaking and broadcasting a private photo of him in an undressed state.
Kim Soo-hyun’s Agency Issues a Strong Statement
On March 20, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency Gold Medalist released an official statement through its legal representative, LKB & Partners, regarding the incident.
“Gold Medalist, as Kim Soo-hyun’s management agency, has filed a complaint against Kim Se-ui, the operator of Garo Sero Institute, for posting a photo of Kim Soo-hyun undressed during a live broadcast on YouTube. Additionally, a lawsuit has been filed against the unidentified relative of the late Kim Sae-ron, who claimed to be her aunt, for providing the photo.”
The agency emphasized that the photo in question was taken while Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship as consenting adults but stated that it was a private image that should never have been made public.
Threats and Continued Exposure of Private Images
Gold Medalist further condemned the unauthorized release and public broadcast of the photo, calling it a “clear criminal act.” The agency also revealed that Garo Sero has threatened to release additional images, escalating the need for legal action.
They concluded, “If the late Kim Sae-ron’s family or Garo Sero Institute continues to spread false information, we will have no choice but to take comprehensive legal measures to protect our actor’s reputation.”
Previously, Garo Sero had aired a photo on March 15 showing Kim Soo-hyun wearing only a T-shirt and underwear while washing dishes in Kim Sae-ron’s home. The channel claimed that they had received permission from Kim Sae-ron’s family to disclose the image.
Full Statement from Gold Medalist
[Official Statement Regarding Legal Action Against Garo Sero Institute]
- As the management agency of actor Kim Soo-hyun, Gold Medalist has filed a legal complaint against Kim Se-ui, the operator of the YouTube channel “Garo Sero Institute”, who posted a photo of Kim Soo-hyun undressed during a live broadcast. Additionally, we have taken legal action against the late actress Kim Sae-ron’s family and an unidentified individual claiming to be her aunt for providing the photo, under charges of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (distribution of images taken using cameras, etc.).
- As stated in our previous statement, Gold Medalist mourns the passing of our former artist, the late Kim Sae-ron, and we extend our deepest condolences. However, the photo posted by Garo Sero Institute was taken while Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron, who was an adult at the time, were in a relationship. This image contains a private moment that could cause sexual humiliation for Kim Soo-hyun and should never have been made public. Publishing such content on a YouTube channel is a clear criminal act. Furthermore, Garo Sero Institute has threatened to release additional similar photos, effectively blackmailing Kim Soo-hyun. Given the gravity of this situation, Gold Medalist has no choice but to take strong legal measures. Distributing or publicly displaying images of a person’s body that could cause sexual humiliation, without their consent, is a serious crime. We strongly urge that such actions do not continue.
- Additionally, false information spread by Garo Sero Institute and the late Kim Sae-ron’s family continues to circulate online, fueling baseless rumors. Out of respect for the late Kim Sae-ron and her family, Gold Medalist had refrained from taking legal action against them. However, the unauthorized distribution of Kim Soo-hyun’s private photos is an unacceptable and serious offense with the potential for recurrence. As a result, we were compelled to proceed with legal action against the late Kim Sae-ron’s family as well. If Garo Sero Institute and the late Kim Sae-ron’s family continue to spread false information, Gold Medalist will be left with no choice but to take comprehensive legal action to protect our company and our actor’s reputation.
March 20, 2025
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Kim Soo-hyun’s decisive legal action signals his firm stance against privacy violations and online defamation. As Garo Sero Institute continues to stir controversy with threats of further exposure, the unfolding legal battle highlights broader concerns over media ethics and personal rights in the digital age. Whether this case sets a precedent for stricter regulations on unauthorized content distribution remains to be seen, but one thing is clear, Kim Soo-hyun is not backing down without a fight.