A YouTuber’s shocking claims about Kim Sae Ron’s alleged aunt have stirred controversy, while BLACKPINK’s Lisa and BTS’ RM excite fans with new music announcements. This week also saw NewJeans’ pop-up store face uncertainty and BLACKPINK’s Spotify account get hacked.
Kim Sae Ron Fake Aunt Controversy Escalates
A YouTuber named Eun Hyun Jang caused a stir on April 19, 2025, during a livestream. He claimed to know the address of a woman he called Kim Sae Ron’s “fake aunt” in Incheon, South Korea. Jang threatened to share this address with actor Kim Soo Hyun, escalating an ongoing feud tied to the Garosero Research Institute.
The controversy stems from a lawsuit filed by Kim Soo Hyun in March 2025. He is seeking 12 billion KRW (about $8.76 million) in damages against Kim Sae Ron’s family and Garosero, a YouTube channel. The channel alleged that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor. Kim Soo Hyun denied these claims at an emotional press conference on March 31, 2025, stating they only dated as adults from 2019 to 2020.
“I never dated her when she was a minor. Apart from the fact that we were both actors, we were just an ordinary couple like anyone else.”
— Kim Soo Hyun at his press conference, March 31, 2025
Kim Sae Ron’s family claimed the relationship began when she was 15, citing edited KakaoTalk messages. Kim Soo Hyun’s team provided forensic evidence to prove the messages were fake. His legal team, LKB & Partners, clarified on April 19, 2025, that court fees of 38 million KRW (about $26,790) were paid, despite rumors of financial struggles. They are now hunting for the “fake aunt,” whose identity remains unverified.
Kim Sae Ron’s mother defended the aunt, saying she has been part of their family for over 20 years. She criticized YouTuber Lee Jin Ho for calling her “fake.”
“The aunt is simply Sae Ron’s aunt, that is all. No harm done, ever. If there were someone falsely claiming to be Sae Ron’s relative, we would be the ones taking legal action.”
— Kim Sae Ron’s mother, March 22, 2025
Public reaction has been heated. Netizens slammed Eun Hyun Jang’s actions as dangerous.
“This is reckless and could put someone’s safety at risk.”
“Why is he dragging Kim Soo Hyun into this? It’s irresponsible.”
— Netizens on X, April 20, 2025
Kim Soo Hyun’s team is working with police to trace the aunt through call records. The case has sparked debate about privacy laws in South Korea, where sharing personal information publicly is illegal.
BLACKPINK Lisa Teams Up with Maroon 5
BLACKPINK’s Lisa announced a collaboration with Maroon 5 for a new track titled Priceless, set for release as part of Maroon 5’s upcoming summer 2025 album. The news dropped on April 26, 2025, with a teaser video shared by the band. Fans buzzed with excitement after Adam Levine hinted at the single on The Tonight Show.
This marks Lisa’s first major release since her solo performance at Coachella 2025. Behind-the-scenes footage posted on social media fueled anticipation. Pre-saves for Priceless are now available.
“Lisa and Maroon 5? This is going to be huge!”
“Her Coachella performance was fire, can’t wait for this track.”
— Fans on X, April 26, 2025
The collaboration comes amid challenges for BLACKPINK. Their Spotify account, along with solo accounts and those of YG Entertainment groups like TREASURE and BABYMONSTER, was hacked. Fans criticized YG Entertainment for not addressing the issue promptly.
“YG needs to step up and protect their artists’ accounts.”
“This hack is a mess, fix it already!”
— Netizens on X, April 27, 2025
BTS RM Collaborates with Epik High’s Tablo
BTS’ RM is joining forces with Epik High’s Tablo for a new track called Stop The Rain, announced this week. The collaboration has fans eager for a blend of RM’s introspective lyrics and Tablo’s hip-hop style. No release date has been confirmed, but the news has generated significant buzz.
“RM and Tablo together? This is going to be a masterpiece.”
“Stop The Rain sounds so poetic already.”
— Fans on X, April 27, 2025
BTS continues to make waves despite their group hiatus for military service. Jungkook’s album Golden was named 2025’s most-streamed Asian male album on Spotify, with 517 million streams. Jin also confirmed his second solo album, Echo, and a tour, adding to the group’s momentum.
NewJeans Pop-Up Store Faces Uncertainty
NewJeans’ planned pop-up store in Seoul, set for May 1 to May 13, 2025, hit a snag. The event, announced by fan union Team Bunnies, was meant to feature exclusive NJZ merchandise, Indomie noodle tastings, and limited-edition photocards. However, Indomie pulled its Instagram ad for the event, causing confusion.
ADOR, NewJeans’ agency, accused Team Bunnies of seeking private information, escalating tensions. Fans speculated the cancellation was due to unauthorized fan involvement. NewJeans is also appealing a court ruling in their ongoing dispute with ADOR, adding to the uncertainty.
“What’s happening with NewJeans? This pop-up sounded so fun.”
“ADOR needs to sort this out with Team Bunnies.”
— Netizens on X, April 27, 2025
The Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun controversy continues to unfold. Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team is focused on identifying the “fake aunt” while facing public scrutiny. BLACKPINK’s Lisa and BTS’ RM are keeping fans excited with their upcoming releases. NewJeans’ pop-up store remains in limbo, with no official word on its status. These stories highlight the fast-paced world of Korean entertainment, where legal battles and music milestones keep fans on edge.
CREDITS: Pinkvilla, AllKpop, Koreaboo
