Following the charges filed by South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun, the bereaved family of late actress Kim Sae-ron has spoken out once again regarding the controversy.
According to Soompi, the family held a new press conference alongside their legal representative Bu Ji-seok and HoverLab Inc. head Kim Se-eui. During the briefing, the family presented an audio recording, which they claim was a conversation between Kim Sae-ron and a whistleblower in New Jersey. The file was recorded a month before her passing--with her consent.
The family's lawyer stated that the actress allegedly spoke with the whistleblower for approximately one and a half hours, sharing sensitive details involving Kim Soo-hyun and her personal experiences. They also reported that the whistleblower was attacked on April 30 in the United States by two unidentified individuals. The incident is now under investigation by the U.S. FBI.
“The family earnestly pleaded that we reveal a part of the recording as this incident could get more severe if we wait more,” the lawyer stated in Korean.
In the audio clip, reportedly dated January 10, 2025, Kim Sae-ron was heard speaking in a coffee shop in New Jersey. The family and HoverLab claim this evidence of a past relationship between the late actress and Kim Soo-hyun, beginning when she was a minor.
“I dated Soo-hyun oppa. You might say I'm crazy and not believe me, but I dated him since I was in middle school, and we broke up after I went to college,” the voice in the recording said. “Soo- hyun oppa and those GOLDMEDALIST people are really scary and will do anything.”
The recording continues with claims that the actress felt "used" since her early teenage years. Additional disturbing statements were also made about alleged behavior during the relationship, including the sharing of inappropriate photos.
"What's really crazy is that he sent me a photo taken while he was doing 'it' with someone else. He said the idol he slept with smells like miyeok (seaweed) so he had her name saved as 'miyeok' in his phone and sent me that. If I was in better circumstances, I would've revealed everything already,” the recording stated.
Based on this recording, Kim Sae-ron's family has filed a criminal complaint against Kim Soo-hyun for alleged violation of the Child Welfare Act and false accusations against them.
"The reason for this was to put an end to the controversy by presenting evidence that the late Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun were in a relationship when she was a minor," said Bu Ji-seok. "The bereaved family wanted an apology from Kim Soo-hyun, but what they received instead was a lawsuit and criminal complaint for damages amounting to approximately 12 billion won (approximately $8.6 million), as well as a press conference from Kim Soo-hyun in which he consistently denied ever having dated the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor and stated that he would prove the truth through an official investigation. In response, the family has been cooperating fully with the investigation, providing all materials requested by the authorities."
The lawyer added that the family has been fully cooperating with authorities and requested an investigation from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
They also voiced safety concerns, citing recent alleged threats toward the whistleblower and reports of suspicious vehicles near the home of Kim Sae-ron's aunt. "We earnestly request police protection for the bereaved family and for CEO Kim Se-eui," he concluded.
RELATED GALLERY: KIM SOO-HYUN AND KIM SAE-RON CONTROVERSY TIMELINE
On March 10, the YouTube channel HoverLab Inc., also known as Garosero Research Institute, reported that Kim Sae-ron's aunt alleged the actress had a six-year relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, which began when she was just 15 years old. Accusations were also made against Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, alleging financial misconduct and mishandling of Sae-ron's DUI case.
Netizens continue to express varied opinions about the controversy. However, many pointed out the coincidence that Kim Sae-ron passed away on Kim Soo-hyun's birthday, February 16.
Kim Soo-hyun's agency dismissed the allegations and said that the claims made by the YouTube channel Hoverlab are "completely false." The agency also threatened a possible legal action.
Garoseo Research Institute revealed old photos, including intimate selfies, text messages, and handwritten letters between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron.
One of the texts revealed that the actress allegedly received a repayment notice amounting to 686 million KRW (Php 27,124,440). According to Dispatch, Sae-ron reportedly pleaded with Soo-hyun to "save" her and "give her some time," but the actor allegedly did not respond.
It's Okay Not To Be Okay actress Seo Ye-ji's name was brought into the controversy between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron as online rumors surfaced about her alleged relationship with Soo-hyun.
"To my beloved yeye (Seo Ye-ji's official fan club), As a human being, I can't help but feel overwhelmed, overburdened, tired, sad, and suffocated. I tried to suppress and suppress it all. But before I knew it, I was typing a reply to the comments and then quickly deleting them. Just please stop. I swear I have no personal relations whatsoever with that person or his older brother. I don't know why I have to explain any of this," she said.
According to Sportkeeda, Kim Soo-hyun's ongoing 18+ brand deals have faced conflicts, leading some companies to suspend his activities or remove the content he was featured in. K2, Shabu All Day, and Homeplus reportedly eventually deleted his appearances from their official homepage and brand SNS.
On March 13, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, released a brief statement that they will "release a full length statement based on factual evidence next week."
Although Gold Medalist initially announced that they would release a full statement on the issue next week, they instead issued an official statement on Friday, March 14. The agency claimed that while it is true that Soo-hyun and Sae-ron were in a relationship in the past, it did not take place during her minor years. They also refuted claims that Soo-hyun's agency pressured Sae-ron to repay 700 million won (around $481,300) and provided images as proof.
On March 14, Italian luxury brand Prada officially ended its ambassador partnership with Kim Soo-hyun, severing ties with the actor. The luxury brand decided to cancel the collaboration due to the ongoing controversy surrounding Soo-hyun.
On March 16, Garosero Research Institute released a private photo of Kim Soo-hyun without pants while allegedly washing dishes inside Kim Sae-ron's apartment.
The family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has formally requested an official apology from actor Kim Soo-hyun and his agency regarding allegations that he was romantically involved with Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor.
The statement reads: "We ask Kim Soo-hyun to admit to dating Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor and issue an official apology. We also demand an apology from his agency, which has denied the relationship for the past three years and even repeated this denial just three days ago."
On March 17, MBC's variety program Good Day decided to edit out Kim Soo-hyun's footage from the show due to the ongoing controversy surrounding him.
Garosero Research Institute released a video allegedly proving a relationship between South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
In the video, Sae-ron was sitting on a sofa in her house while a man's hand is rubbing her back. The man's voice can be heard in the background, and many claim it is Soo-hyun's.
On March 27, attorney Boo Ji Suk from Law Firm Buyou held a press conference, representing the grieving family of the late actress, and released KakaoTalk messages allegedly sent between Kim Sae-Ron and Kim Soo-Hyun in June 2016.
Based on the screenshots, Soo-hyun sent messages to Sae-ron telling her that he "missed her" and wanted to "fall asleep with her" in his arms. Meanwhile, Sae-ron tells Soo-hyun, "[You] never wake up." He answers, "Yes, I wouldn't know even if you kissed me" and "When can I fall asleep with you in my arms? I'll really get a good night's sleep then." The late actress answers, "I'll do it whenever I want."
South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference to address rumors about his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. He confirmed that they had dated for about a year but denied the relationship when it was first reported, admitting that it was a cowardly decision. He explained that his denial was to protect his co-stars, production team, and staff of Queen of Tears.
Kim Soo-hyun stated that while he is willing to take responsibility for his actions, he will not accept false accusations. He urged that all evidence be submitted for legal verification. His legal team, led by Kim Jong-bok, has filed criminal and civil complaints against the bereaved family members, an individual claiming to be Kim Sae-ron's aunt, and HoverLab Inc. for defamation.