Kim Soo-hyun’s Agency Issues Strong Statement: “Unthinkable Acts” — Files Additional Legal Action Against YouTuber

Actor Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has filed additional legal action against Kim Se-ui, the operator of the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute (Gaseyeon), citing criminal blackmail.

On March 24, the agency released an official statement saying,

“As Kim Soo-hyun’s management company, we have filed a new criminal complaint against Gaseyeon’s Kim Se-ui for blackmail under the Criminal Act.”

This follows a previous legal complaint filed on March 20, accusing the YouTuber of illegally sharing private photos of Kim Soo-hyun during a livestream, violating Korea’s Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.

Gold Medalist emphasized that despite the initial legal action, Kim Se-ui reposted the same private image during a subsequent livestream on March 21. The photo in question allegedly shows Kim Soo-hyun at Kim Sae-ron’s residence, washing dishes while wearing minimal clothing — a photo the agency called “deeply invasive” and “a gross violation of privacy.”

“Reposting the image after being reported to authorities is not only another criminal offense, but also a blatant disregard for the law and law enforcement,” the agency stated. “It is an act that defies belief.”

Threats Against Disney+ ‘Knock Off’ and Blackmail Allegations

The situation escalated further when, during live broadcasts on March 21 and 22, Kim Se-ui threatened to release additional footage allegedly involving Kim Soo-hyun if Disney+ did not cancel the release of the actor’s upcoming drama Knock Off.

He also repeatedly invoked references to the infamous Nth Room case—a digital sex crime scandal in South Korea—implying that Kim Soo-hyun was involved in similar misconduct. Gold Medalist has firmly denied these allegations, calling them “completely false and fabricated.”

“There is no such video, and there never was,” the agency stated. “This is not just defamation—it is a serious criminal act.”

Official Statement by Gold Medalist:

"As the agency responsible for managing actor Kim Soo-hyun, Gold Medalist has filed an additional criminal complaint today against Kim Se-ui, operator of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute (hereinafter “Gaseyeon”), for criminal blackmail under the Korean Penal Code.

As previously announced on March 20, 2025, Gold Medalist filed an initial complaint against Gaseyeon for violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (specifically, the distribution of illegal footage) after Gaseyeon broadcasted a private photo of Kim Soo-hyun during a livestream on their YouTube channel. Shockingly, the very next day, on or around March 21, Gaseyeon reposted the same photo during another livestream. This act constitutes a separate criminal offense and is an egregious disregard for the law and law enforcement, behavior that is truly unimaginable.

Furthermore, during livestreams held on March 21 and 22, 2025, Gaseyeon openly threatened Kim Soo-hyun by stating that if Disney+ did not cancel the release of the original series Knock-Off, in which Kim stars, they would release video footage involving the actor. Gaseyeon even repeatedly referenced the ‘Nth Room’ case, falsely suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun had committed a similar crime and that such footage existed. As with their past baseless claims, these allegations are completely false, and no such video exists. Gaseyeon’s behavior amounts to serious criminal conduct that cannot be tolerated. Therefore, Gold Medalist has taken prompt legal action and filed an additional criminal complaint."

Background: Controversy Involving Kim Sae-ron

The controversy first erupted when Gaseyeon claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship with actress Kim Sae-ron starting when she was 15 years old, and that the relationship lasted for six years. These claims sparked serious public concern and grooming allegations, although no formal charges have been filed against the actor.

Kim Soo-hyun denied dating Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, but later acknowledged that the two had a relationship after she became a legal adult, in a statement released on March 14.

Industry Reaction and Next Steps

The unfolding legal battle comes at a critical moment for Kim Soo-hyun, who is preparing for his Disney+ original series Knock Off, set to premiere later this year. The actor’s agency has reiterated its commitment to protecting its artist and pursuing all available legal remedies against defamation and blackmail.

As online speculation continues, fans and industry watchers alike are awaiting both the outcome of the legal proceedings and the future of Kim Soo-hyun’s upcoming projects.

Brands Cut Ties with Kim Soo-hyun Amid Dating Scandal

As the controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun continues to escalate, the fallout has begun to impact his endorsement deals and brand collaborations.

On March 17, luxury fashion house Prada confirmed the termination of its partnership with the actor. The brand stated that the decision was made mutually, in light of “recent developments.” Kim had previously appeared in global campaigns for the brand and was often seen attending its runway events.

Shortly after, South Korean cosmetics brand Dinto also announced they had cut ties with Kim, citing “substantial grounds” that made the continuation of their advertising contract no longer feasible. The brand has since removed promotional materials featuring the actor from all platforms.

These moves highlight the swift response from commercial partners in the wake of public scrutiny, especially following widespread speculation about the timeline and nature of Kim’s relationship with actress Kim Sae-ron—which began circulating after YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute claimed the two had been romantically involved while Sae-ron was still a minor.

G-Dragon’s Good Day Episode Cancelled Amid Kim Soo-hyun Scandal

The ripple effects of Kim Soo-hyun’s scandal appear to have extended beyond his own projects. Industry sources report that an upcoming episode of MBC’s variety show Good Day featuring G-Dragon has been postponed or possibly canceled due to the controversy.

The episode was originally expected to air as part of the show’s second wave of high-profile guest appearances. However, with Kim Soo-hyun’s name attached to promotional materials and initial teasers, producers are said to be re-editing or shelving the episode entirely to avoid further public backlash.