Kim Sae-ron’s Family: “Why We Had to Release Dating Photos with Kim Soo-hyun”

On the afternoon of March 17, the family of the late Kim Sae-ron held a press conference in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, explaining the reasons behind the release of dating photos with Kim Soo-hyun and their lawsuit against a YouTuber.

Attorney Bu Ji-seok from Law Firm BUYOU, representing the bereaved family, attended the police station to file an official complaint against YouTuber A. The press conference was also joined by Kwon Young-chan, head of the Korean Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association, and Kim Se-ui, the representative of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute (Gaseyeon).

"Kim Sae-ron’s Parents Are Struggling to Cope"

Attorney Bu expressed the emotional and financial difficulties the family is facing.

"A precious life has been lost. Kim Sae-ron’s mother was originally supposed to attend today, but she is too unwell. She is struggling deeply. Her father also wanted to be here, but as he is the family’s sole provider, he had to continue working. He has been working non-stop from morning until late at night."

Why Did the Family Release the Dating Photos?

Regarding the release of dating photos with Kim Soo-hyun, Bu clarified that the family’s only intention was to have the relationship acknowledged in order to support their lawsuit against YouTuber A.

"The bereaved family only wanted Kim Soo-hyun to acknowledge the relationship. However, the false statements from his side have made things even more painful. Even now, we hope for a sincere apology."

He further explained, "Kim Sae-ron suffered extreme distress after receiving the first legal notice from her agency. She even sent a text to Kim Soo-hyun saying, ‘Please save me.’ When he didn’t respond, she uploaded the photos on social media, hoping it would prompt a reaction."

The legal representative accused YouTuber A of publicly mocking Kim Sae-ron by calling the photos "fabricated" and "self-created romance."

"A YouTuber called her a liar, falsely portraying her as a delusional woman. We had no choice but to sue. Worse, after Kim Sae-ron’s passing, the YouTuber deleted videos—an obvious attempt to destroy evidence."

Kim Soo-hyun’s Alleged Legal Pressure Over Debt

Attorney Bu also shed light on Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged involvement in sending legal notices demanding repayment of ₩700 million (approximately $480,000).

"After receiving the first legal notice, Kim Sae-ron sent a desperate plea to Kim Soo-hyun. But instead of responding personally, his agency sent a second legal notice. They claim it was due to business misconduct, but in reality, it was a demand for repayment within a set deadline."

The legal documents allegedly included threats of legal action if she failed to comply and explicitly forbade any direct contact between Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun, as well as other actors from his agency.

"After the second notice, Kim Soo-hyun never contacted her again. Even actors from his agency, whom she previously had direct contact with, suddenly cut ties."

Family Considering Legal Action Against Kim Soo-hyun

The bereaved family emphasized that Kim Sae-ron endured severe emotional distress after receiving the legal threats.

"The pain she suffered from these notices is unimaginable. We don’t understand why Kim Soo-hyun is only now saying he’s open to communicating with the family through public statements."

They confirmed that legal action against Kim Soo-hyun is under review.

Kim Soo-hyun’s Agency Responds

Meanwhile, Garo Sero Institute continues to claim that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship for six years, starting when she was 15 years old.

However, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has denied these claims, stating, "The two were in a relationship when Kim Sae-ron was an adult. The allegations regarding financial matters are also misleading. Unapproved public disclosure of someone’s private life—who is it really benefiting?"

As the controversy escalates, the battle between Kim Sae-ron’s family and Kim Soo-hyun continues to unfold, with potential legal consequences ahead.