South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun has escalated legal efforts to identify an unnamed woman claiming to be the aunt of late actress Kim Sae Ron, as part of a high-profile defamation lawsuit. The case, which has gripped the Korean entertainment industry, involves allegations of manipulated evidence and a disputed timeline of the actors’ past relationship. Police are now tracing call records to locate the woman, referred to as the “fake aunt,” who played a central role in spreading accusations against Kim Soo Hyun.
The Core Allegations and Legal Battle
The controversy began in March 2025 when a YouTube channel, GaroSero Research Institute, aired claims that Kim Soo Hyun had a six-year relationship with Kim Sae Ron starting when she was 15—a minor under South Korean law. The allegations were supported by a woman introduced as Kim Sae Ron’s aunt, who provided KakaoTalk messages, photos, and letters as evidence. Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, vehemently denied the claims, stating their relationship only occurred between 2019 and 2020, after Kim Sae Ron turned 19.
Forensic analysis later revealed that some messages were edited, further complicating the case. Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team filed a 12 billion KRW ($8.76 million) defamation lawsuit against Kim Sae Ron’s family, GaroSero, and the unidentified aunt. However, progress has been delayed due to difficulties in verifying the aunt’s identity.
“If we can verify even one of the following—name, phone number, or resident registration number—then we’ll have no problem. With a phone number, we can go through telecom providers; with a resident number, we can pull basic registration documents,” said Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team in a statement .
The Hunt for the “Fake Aunt”
The woman’s identity remains shrouded in mystery. Kim Sae Ron’s family insists she is a legitimate relative, while others, including YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, have labeled her a fraud. Kim Soo Hyun’s lawyers argue that without her legal details, they cannot proceed with court paperwork. Authorities are now examining call records from other defendants to trace her communications.
“She’s also been criminally charged, so her identity will eventually be confirmed during the investigation,” the attorney added .
Meanwhile, Kim Sae Ron’s family has accused Lee Jin Ho of harassment, further fueling the dispute. The aunt allegedly provided critical evidence, including a private photo of Kim Soo Hyun at Kim Sae Ron’s home, which his agency claims was taken during their adult relationship and misrepresented.
The scandal has severely impacted Kim Soo Hyun’s career. Major brands like Prada and Dinto ended collaborations, and his Disney+ drama Knock Off faced delays. Public opinion remains divided, with some supporting his stance while others demand accountability.
Kim Sae Ron’s tragic death in February 2025 intensified scrutiny. Her family alleges financial pressure from Gold Medalist over a 700 million KRW ($482,000) debt related to her 2022 DUI incident contributed to her distress. Kim Soo Hyun denies these claims, releasing a recorded call showing the agency offered flexibility in repayment.
The civil trial is expected to proceed alongside a criminal investigation into the aunt’s role. If proven fraudulent, the case could set a precedent for how defamation and privacy laws are enforced in South Korea’s entertainment industry.
