As new evidence emerges in the ongoing controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron, the situation has taken another unexpected turn. Reports now suggest that Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, initially considered offering financial compensation to Kim Sae-ron’s family but scrapped the plan following the release of a controversial photo.
Shifting Narratives: Was Kim Soo-hyun Wrongly Accused?
The debate over the true cause of Kim Sae-ron’s passing has been intensifying, with growing speculation that her death was not directly related to the reported debt collection pressure from Gold Medalist. These revelations have led to a noticeable shift in public sentiment, with online comments expressing sympathy for Kim Soo-hyun, such as “He must have been unfairly accused” and “This is why it’s important to stay neutral.”
Kim Soo-hyun is currently staying at his residence in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, spending time with his family. While his mental state remains uncertain, sources suggest that his family is shielding him from news coverage related to the controversy.
An insider from MBC’s “Good Day,” in which Kim Soo-hyun is set to appear, stated, “The scandal has been incredibly stressful for him. Remembering his late ex-girlfriend must have brought on a mix of grief, resentment, and frustration.”
Gold Medalist’s Strategic Shift After the Leaked Photo
Initially, Gold Medalist had been pursuing a peaceful resolution by engaging in discussions with Kim Sae-ron’s family. The agency even reached out to Kim Sae-ron’s father, stating their desire to meet. However, after the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute (Garo Sero) publicly revealed this outreach, communication between the two parties completely broke down.
The turning point came when a private photo of Kim Soo-hyun washing dishes—reportedly taken at a residence provided to Kim Sae-ron by Kim Soo-hyun—was leaked by Garo Sero. The image, which showed him partially undressed, intensified the scandal. The apartment in the photo was located in Seoul Forest The Sharp, just a 25-minute walk from Kim Soo-hyun’s own home.
Why the Compensation Offer Was Abandoned
Prior to the photo leak, Gold Medalist had reportedly considered offering financial support to Kim Sae-ron’s family, even factoring in potential tax implications. However, after the scandal erupted over the leaked image, this idea was completely scrapped.
A source revealed, “Gold Medalist initially wanted to clear up misunderstandings with Kim Sae-ron’s family, but after the photo was leaked, those plans were abandoned.” The agency feared that offering compensation could be misinterpreted as an attempt to buy silence, potentially leading to public backlash and further legal complications.
Gold Medalist Takes Legal Action
Following the photo scandal, Gold Medalist’s internal debate between a moderate and aggressive legal approach ended in favor of the latter. The agency deemed the leak of a suggestive image as crossing a major ethical boundary and decided to take legal action.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the legal battle between Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Sae-ron’s family, and Garosero Institute is expected to escalate further.