The controversy surrounding actor Kim Soo Hyun and late actress Kim Sae Ron has taken a dramatic turn in recent weeks, drawing widespread public attention. From legal battles to a multitude of allegations, the entire case has come under intense public scrutiny. As the situation continues to develop, here are 5 major updates on the case that you should know about.
1. Netizens criticise Kim Soo Hyun for focusing on fake aunt
Kim Soo Hyun was criticised after reportedly failing to pay legal fees related to a lawsuit against Kim Sae Ron’s family and Garosero. His company claimed the fees were paid and delays were due to confirming Sae Ron’s aunt’s identity.
His team said a criminal complaint was filed and the person’s information will eventually be confirmed. But online, many people are frustrated with what they see as attempts to shift focus from the real issue. Users questioned why the aunt’s identity matters and said the real issue is the relationship with a minor.
Also Read: Kim Soo Hyun’s Fans Unite, Hire Lawyer To Protect Actor From Online Harassment
2. Kim Soo Hyun’s K-Drama Knock-Off put on hiatus indefinitely
Disney+ Korea’s high-budget K-drama Knock-Off has also been paused indefinitely amid the controversy. The series, with a KRW 60 billion (approx. ₹360 crore) budget and Kim’s reported KRW 9 billion (approx. ₹54 crore INR) fee, now faces uncertainty. Discussions over potential breach-of-contract penalties are ongoing, with speculation that they could reach KRW 180 billion (approx. ₹1,080 crore), though no official figure is confirmed.
3. Youtuber Lee Jin Ho reveals new details on Kim Sae Ron’s death
YouTuber Lee Jin Ho released a video on April 29 providing new insights into the Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron incident, specifically speculating on the reasons behind Kim Sae Ron’s untimely passing before she could open her café.
In the video, Lee Jin Ho shared phone call recordings between Kim Sae Ron and her acquaintances, as well as agency officials. One phone call revealed that Kim Sae Ron’s boyfriend had shown her shamanic predictions on YouTube, which deeply affected her. The fortune predicted misfortune for her, leading to a mental breakdown.
Sae Ron met with people to discuss about the café just two days before her death, but the project fell apart when she was unable to secure follow-up investment, leaving her without any remaining hope.
4. Legal representative of Kim Sae Ron’s family reported to the National Human Rights Commission
Attorney Boo Ji Seok, the legal representative for the late Kim Sae Ron’s bereaved family, has been reported to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. The report, filed on April 29, claims that Attorney Boo went beyond providing legal advice and allegedly engaged in illegal actions.
This follows a legal suit filed by Kim Soo Hyun’s agency against the bereaved family, YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, and a woman claiming to be Kim Sae Ron’s aunt for violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
The complaint also states that Attorney Boo spread false claims and used his legal expertise to make the information seem legitimate.
4. Kim Soo Hyun faces multiple lawsuits from sponsors
Several sponsors are filing lawsuits against Kim Soo Hyun for damaging their brand image. An advertiser has filed a lawsuit against actor Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, GOLD MEDALIST, for ₩2.80 billion KRW (about ₹1.71 crore) in damages. This follows previous lawsuits totaling ₩30.0 billion KRW (about ₹183 crore) from two companies that had originally signed Kim Soo Hyun as their advertisement model. Insiders say that more such lawsuits can be seen being filed against the actor.