A YouTuber named Eun Hyun-jang has caused a stir by claiming he knows the address of a woman who says she’s the aunt of the late actress Kim Sae-ron. During a livestream, he threatened to share her personal details, escalating an ongoing controversy tied to Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron. This has led to widespread criticism online, with many calling his actions reckless and unethical.
Background of the Controversy
The issue stems from allegations made by a woman claiming to be Kim Sae-ron’s aunt. She appeared on the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, run by Kim Se-ui, and accused Kim Soo-hyun of dating Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. The aunt claimed their relationship began in 2015, when Kim Sae-ron was 15 and Kim Soo-hyun was 27, lasting six years until 2021. She also alleged that Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, pressured Kim Sae-ron financially after her 2022 DUI incident, demanding repayment of 700 million KRW (about $480,000 USD).
Kim Soo-hyun and Gold Medalist have denied these claims. On March 31, 2025, they held a press conference in Seoul, stating that any relationship with Kim Sae-ron began in 2019, when she was an adult, and lasted about a year until 2020. They accused the aunt and Garo Sero of spreading false information, backed by edited KakaoTalk messages and photos. Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team, LKB & Partners, filed a 12 billion KRW ($9 million USD) defamation lawsuit against Kim Sae-ron’s family, the aunt, and Garo Sero.
Eun Hyun-jang’s Livestream and Threats
On April 19, 2025, Eun Hyun-jang, who runs the YouTube channel Jangsa’s God, addressed the controversy in a livestream. He claimed to have obtained the address of the woman posing as Kim Sae-ron’s aunt.
“I’ve got the fake aunt’s address. Should I give it to Kim Soo-hyun? She lives in Incheon. That’s all I’ll say. Stop hiding behind donation accounts. People will start exposing you. Just wait.”
He also expressed frustration with Kim Se-ui, vowing to continue targeting him until he faces legal consequences.
“After the presidential election on June 3, I’ll wrap up this fight with Kim Se-ui and return to my usual content. Until he goes to jail, my content can wait. It takes time to imprison someone. He’s built too many escape routes.”
Eun Hyun-jang’s comments have drawn heavy criticism. Netizens have condemned his threat to reveal personal information, calling it a potential violation of South Korea’s strict privacy laws. Many argue that his actions fuel unnecessary drama and disrespect Kim Sae-ron’s memory.
Legal Challenges and the “Fake Aunt” Mystery
The identity of the woman claiming to be Kim Sae-ron’s aunt remains unclear, complicating Kim Soo-hyun’s lawsuit. LKB & Partners has struggled to verify her name, phone number, or ID number, which are needed for court filings. On April 19, 2025, they stated:
“If we can confirm at least the defendant’s name, contact information, or resident registration number, there is no problem. But these three things are not confirmed yet. The investigative agency will eventually identify her.”
Kim Sae-ron’s family insists the aunt is a legitimate relative. On March 21, 2025, Kim Sae-ron’s mother defended her on Garo Sero’s broadcast, explaining their close bond.
“We met when Sae-ron was about six years old and working as a child actress. As fellow mothers of child actors, we helped each other with housework and managerial duties. Over nearly 20 years, my children and I have considered her a real aunt.” “Whenever I was sick, she rushed to me. She listened to my children when they couldn’t talk to me. What more does she need to do to be considered family?”
The family has accused YouTuber Lee Jin-ho of spreading false claims about the aunt and Kim Sae-ron’s personal life, including rumors of a marriage and pregnancy. They filed a defamation lawsuit against him on March 17, 2025, for causing Kim Sae-ron psychological distress.
Public and Netizen Reactions
The controversy has divided online communities. Some netizens support Kim Soo-hyun, believing the aunt’s claims are unproven and harmful. Others question his past statements, like a 2013 interview where he discussed marrying someone younger, which resurfaced amid the scandal.
“Kim Soo-hyun has always been a weirdo. Now watch his fans try to sweep this under the rug and victim-blame.” “I knew from the start that Kim Soo-hyun was involved in this mess.”
Meanwhile, Eun Hyun-jang’s threat has sparked outrage for crossing ethical lines.
“Threatening to leak someone’s address is too far. This is just internet drama gone wrong.” “Eun Hyun-jang is reckless. South Korea’s privacy laws are no joke.”
Financial Allegations Against Gold Medalist
The aunt also accused Gold Medalist of exploiting Kim Sae-ron after her 2022 DUI incident. She claimed the agency initially demanded 20 billion KRW ($13.7 million USD) in penalties, later reducing it to 700 million KRW. Kim Sae-ron reportedly struggled to repay this, borrowing from friends and facing financial ruin. The aunt alleged that Kim Soo-hyun ignored Kim Sae-ron’s attempts to contact him during this time.
Gold Medalist clarified that the 700 million KRW was related to Kim Sae-ron’s contract for the drama Bloodhounds, not the DUI incident. They denied pressuring her and expressed condolences for her passing on February 16, 2025, which coincided with Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday.
Impact on Kim Soo-hyun’s Career
The scandal has taken a toll on Kim Soo-hyun. He has lost major brand endorsements, social media followers, and reportedly his status as South Korea’s highest-paid actor. His upcoming drama Knock Off faces uncertainty, with rumors of cancellation. A Taiwan fan meeting was also canceled due to scheduling conflicts.
Kim Soo Hyun in Queen of Tears; IMAGE: Courtesy of tvN
Gold Medalist has vowed to pursue legal action against those spreading false information, including Garo Sero and the aunt. They filed a criminal complaint on March 20, 2025, accusing the aunt of distributing private photos in violation of South Korea’s laws against sexual crimes.
Kim Sae-ron’s Struggles and Legacy
Kim Sae-ron, who debuted as a child actress, faced significant challenges after her 2022 DUI incident, which damaged her career. She was found dead on February 16, 2025, at age 25. Her aunt claimed the financial and emotional pressures from Gold Medalist and Kim Soo-hyun contributed to her struggles. The family has shared evidence, including photos and messages, to support their claims, though Kim Soo-hyun’s team insists these were manipulated.
Kim Sae-ron’s mother emphasized the aunt’s role as a pillar of support, caring for Kim Sae-ron during her toughest moments. The family continues to mourn her loss while seeking justice through their lawsuit against Lee Jin-ho.
As of April 26, 2025, Eun Hyun-jang’s threats have intensified scrutiny on the case. Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team remains focused on identifying the aunt, with investigations ongoing. The Seoul Central District Court issued a correction order in early April, and the lawsuit is expected to proceed alongside criminal investigations. Public discourse remains heated, with netizens urging respect for Kim Sae-ron’s memory and caution against unverified claims.
