Lawyer Representing Late Kim Sae-ron’s Family Reported to Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission
On April 29, a complainant identified as A filed a public interest report against Attorney Bu Ji-seok, who represents the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron, accusing him of serious misconduct in connection with the ongoing scandal involving actor Kim Soo-hyun.
Earlier, Kim Soo-hyun‘s agency filed a criminal complaint against Kim Sae-ron’s family, YouTuber Garo Sero, and a person claiming to be Kim Sae-ron’s aunt, citing violations under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes — specifically for the illegal distribution of imagery.
Complainant A argued that Bu Ji-seok provided incorrect legal counsel that led to the unlawful release of private materials, or at the very least, collaborated in their dissemination. Moreover, the complaint alleges that Bu Ji-seok used his legal status to publicly promote unverified information under the guise of credibility, severely damaging Kim Soo-hyun’s reputation and career.
A further claimed that Bu Ji-seok’s false statements, such as promoting allegations of “grooming” during a press conference, inflicted irreparable harm on Kim Soo-hyun, including jeopardizing endorsement deals and delaying major acting projects like Disney+’s Knock Off.
The scandal initially erupted when Kim Sae-ron’s family accused Kim Soo-hyun of dating her when she was still a minor, presenting alleged messenger conversations as evidence.
At a press conference, Bu Ji-seok emphasized that Kim Sae-ron was 17 years old at the time and claimed that their relationship lasted five to six years.
Kim Soo-hyun’s side has admitted to dating Kim Sae-ron but maintains that their relationship began only after she reached adulthood. In response, Kim Soo-hyun has filed a 120 billion KRW ($87 million USD) defamation and damages lawsuit against the family members, YouTubers, and related parties.
More than a month after the first allegations surfaced, the controversy remains unresolved. Kim Soo-hyun’s anticipated drama Knock Off on Disney+ has been indefinitely postponed, and Kim Sae-ron’s private life continues to face public scrutiny, further complicating the case.