March 31, 2025 | 09:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Actor Kim Soo Hyun has officially filed a lawsuit worth 12 billion (approximately Rp 135 billion) against the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron and the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (HoverLab).
The lawsuit was filed in the Seoul District Court in response to allegations that he had a relationship with Kim Sae Ron when the actress was still underage.
Details of Kim Soo Hyun's Lawsuit
At a press conference at the Stanford Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 04:30 local time, Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representative, Kim Jong Bok from LKB & Partners, stated that the lawsuit involves both criminal and civil claims against multiple parties to establish the facts and address the allegations damaging the actor’s reputation.
"In response to the request, we have filed a lawsuit against the bereaved family members, an unidentified individual who goes by the name 'Auntie', and the 'Garosero' management for violating the Network Information and Communication Utilization and Information Protection Act, among others," said Kim Jong Bok, as quoted from Sports Chosun.
Kim Soo Hyun's Defense
Through the same press conference, Kim Soo Hyun spoke for the first time since the issue surfaced. While in tears, he firmly denied the news that he had a relationship with the late Kim Sae Ron when the actress was 15 years old.
"I cannot admit to something untrue just because I am threatened," he said, as quoted from the live broadcast on MBC News.
"I did not date the late actress when she was underage," he added.
The star of the drama My Love from The Star (2013) also explained that their relationship lasted for a year, from the summer of 2019 until the fall of 2020, after Kim Sae Ron had reached adulthood.
Kim Soo Hyun also expressed his regret for taking so long to provide clarification.
"I consider myself a coward. I have always been afraid of losing something, afraid of being hurt, constantly running away and denying everything. So, it took me a long time to stand here," he said, while continuing to cry.
Career at Risk
Kim Soo Hyun's career has been heavily impacted by this case. His scheduled fan meeting in Taiwan has been canceled.
The drama Knock Off, which was originally set to premiere on Disney+, has been postponed indefinitely. He has also faced setbacks in the advertising industry, with several brands choosing to end their partnerships with him.
Meanwhile, the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute continues to release new evidence related to the child grooming allegations, including photos, videos, and personal letters allegedly involving Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron.
The family of the late Kim Sae Ron has repeatedly called for apologies from Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, through Garosero.
They have also demanded clarification from YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, who is accused of spreading additional rumors about the case.
Furthermore, the family of the late Sulli, through her brother Choi Geon Hee, has raised concerns about explicit bedroom scenes in the 2017 film Real, starring Kim Soo Hyun and Sulli.
Choi Geon Hee claimed that Sulli was coerced into performing the scenes despite the presence of a stand-in actress on set.
SPORTS CHOSUN | MBC NEWS
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