Actor Kim Soo-hyun and late actress Kim Sae-ron / Newsis
The controversy surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron has resurfaced — this time in a much more public and unsettling method.
Not like earlier on-line rumors, the most recent allegations come instantly from Kim Sae-ron’s household, bringing the problem to a brand new stage of seriousness, in line with stories from JTBC and different media retailers on Tuesday.
If the claims are really “baseless and never even value addressing,” as Kim Soo-hyun’s aspect insists, then a clearer decision might now be extra vital than ever.
The state of affairs is sophisticated: the important thing determine on the middle of the allegations, Kim Sae-ron, is now not alive, whereas Kim Soo-hyun might face extreme reputational harm.
Because the allegations acquire traction within the media and public opinion intensifies, the absence of definitive clarification threatens to trigger additional reputational hurt and erosion of belief.
Bereaved household steps ahead
The controversy flared up once more on Monday, when YouTube channel Hoverlab (higher referred to as Garo Sero Institute) launched a video that includes Kim Sae-ron’s aunt, who made a sequence of significant claims.
She alleged that the actress had been in a romantic relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, then 27, for six years, starting when she was simply 15 years previous. She additionally accused his company, Gold Medalist, of monetary misconduct, manipulation throughout Kim’s company transition and a scarcity of assist following her DUI scandal in 2022.
Now there’s rising demand for a clearer clarification from Kim Soo-hyun. Above all, essentially the most controversial allegation — that she was concerned in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun whereas she was nonetheless a minor — has fueled intense scrutiny, prompting previous images and interviews to resurface on-line.
The household’s choice to talk out gave the allegations an air of credibility that earlier rumors lacked. Public curiosity rapidly escalated, not essentially in response to the YouTube channel itself — which is usually criticized for sensationalism — however relatively because of the involvement of Kim Sae-ron’s kinfolk.
Company strongly denies claims
Gold Medalist issued a agency rebuttal. In an announcement, the company referred to as the accusations “clearly fabricated and wholly unacceptable,” citing particular allegations — together with the underage relationship declare, mishandling of the DUI scandal and supposed ties between the company’s supervisor and one other YouTuber — as “malicious falsehoods.”
“We’re reviewing the strongest stage of authorized motion in opposition to this outrageous unfold of misinformation,” the company mentioned. “These claims should not solely defamatory towards our actor but additionally insult the dignity of the deceased.”
The company additionally emphasised that such ways mirrored the cyber harassment that Kim Sae-ron had suffered throughout her life.
“This can be a textbook instance of the cyber scavenging habits that induced the late Kim Sae-ron a lot misery,” the assertion mentioned. “Spreading falsehoods for private acquire, whereas exploiting the identify of the deceased, is completely unacceptable.”
The company concluded by expressing condolences: “As Kim Sae-ron was as soon as a part of our company, we deeply mourn her passing and ask that groundless rumors not be circulated or reproduced additional.”
Nonetheless, the controversy continues to snowball. Previous images of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron have resurfaced on-line, and public boards are rife with hypothesis.
Some have identified that Kim Sae-ron died on Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday — an eerie coincidence fueling extra questions. Others famous that the actor didn’t attend her funeral, which has been interpreted in a wide range of methods.
Case calls for readability
In response to Gold Medalist’s menace of authorized motion, Hoverlab fired again with ridicule. The channel accused Kim Soo-hyun of attempting to intimidate the bereaved household and even referenced earlier lawsuits involving celebrities.
The rhetoric escalated even additional with sarcastic jabs about Kim Soo-hyun’s absence at Kim Sae-ron’s funeral: “Even actor Received Bin went. Why didn’t you? Don’t you understand how to behave like a good human being?”
The case highlights an uncomfortable fact concerning the present media setting: as soon as claims are aired — even with out proof — they will trigger irreversible hurt. And on this case, the place the accused is alive however the alleged sufferer can now not converse, the results are particularly heavy.
Observers level out that that is now not a problem that may be dismissed as “gossip.” The involvement of the bereaved household has given the controversy weight that can’t be brushed apart. As one netizen wrote, “If it’s really a lie, then show it clearly — as a result of this may destroy somebody’s life.”
Regardless of the controversy, Kim Soo-hyun stays one of the crucial bankable actors in Korea. He’s at present filming the Disney+ sequence „Knock Off“ and lately appeared on MBC’s „Good Day,“ the place he confirmed a extra lighthearted aspect. He continues to function the face of greater than 10 industrial manufacturers, signaling robust endorsement worth.
Nonetheless, unresolved controversies like this might solid a shadow over his profession resurgence. Business insiders say that within the absence of a swift and credible decision, reputational harm — even when undeserved — might linger.
Kim Sae-ron was discovered useless at her dwelling in Seongdong District on Feb. 16 at 4:54 p.m. She had been scheduled to satisfy a pal that day, who found her physique. Police confirmed there have been no indicators of foul play, and no be aware was discovered.
The younger actress had withdrawn from the highlight after her DUI incident in 2022, which led to a number of canceled tasks and her departure from Gold Medalist.
This text is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Occasions.
