Kim Soo Hyun’s fans and agency, Gold Medalist, are taking strong legal steps to protect the actor’s reputation from false rumors and defamation online, with complaints filed in Seoul as of April 2025.
Fans Unite to Protect Kim Soo Hyun
The Kim Soo Hyun Fan Union, which includes Daum Cafe Eucharis and DC Inside’s Kim Soo Hyun Gallery, announced on April 22, 2025, that they are taking legal action against people spreading harmful rumors about the actor. These rumors have been shared on social media and online communities by individuals not connected to Kim Soo Hyun.
There has been an ongoing spread of malicious rumors and defamation targeting Kim Soo Hyun by individuals unrelated to him through online communities and social media. We are currently pursuing a criminal complaint. — Kim Soo Hyun Fan Union
The fan union has hired Attorney Yang Tae Young from Law Firm Siwoo to represent them. They plan to file a complaint with the Seoul Seongbuk Police Station this week. The complaint accuses the perpetrators of defamation under South Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act.
Defamation charges in South Korea can be filed by third parties, unlike insult charges, which need a direct complaint from the victim. This allows fans to act on behalf of Kim Soo Hyun. The fan union stressed that this effort includes both domestic and international fans.
This is a voluntary movement to protect the actor’s rights and preserve a healthy fan culture. We will not tolerate personal attacks or defamatory comments disguised as freedom of expression. No leniency will be shown. — Kim Soo Hyun Fan Union
Fans have gathered extensive evidence, including malicious comments, manipulated images, and fake posts that have been circulating for months. This evidence will support their legal case.
Gold Medalist’s Legal Response
On April 15, 2025, Gold Medalist, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, also filed a legal complaint against those spreading false information. The agency stated that these actions have harmed the actor’s reputation.
Groundless speculation and unverified claims are being repeatedly posted online, damaging the artist’s reputation. — Gold Medalist
The agency’s complaint includes charges of defamation and insult, filed with the relevant authorities. Gold Medalist has been working with fan reports and their own monitoring to identify harmful content. They have promised to continue filing complaints against any posts that defame Kim Soo Hyun.
Lawsuit Against Kim Sae Ron’s Family and YouTube Channel
Last month, Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team filed a massive 12 billion KRW (about $8.7 million USD) damages lawsuit against the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron and the operators of the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (also known as HoverLab). This lawsuit was filed in response to claims made by Kim Sae Ron’s family and HoverLab, who alleged that Kim Soo Hyun had a relationship with Kim Sae Ron from 2015 to 2021, starting when she was a minor.
The claims included supposed evidence, such as a handwritten letter from Kim Soo Hyun during his military service and a photo of him kissing Kim Sae Ron on the cheek. These claims caused a major controversy, leading to widespread online criticism of the actor.
However, Gold Medalist clarified on March 14, 2025, that Kim Soo Hyun only dated Kim Sae Ron after she became an adult, from mid-2019 to late-2020. Kim Soo Hyun himself spoke at a press conference on March 31, 2025, denying the allegations.
I did not have a relationship with her while she was a minor. — Kim Soo Hyun
The actor became emotional during the press conference, apologizing for the pain caused by the controversy and expressing sadness that Kim Sae Ron, who passed away on February 16, 2025, could not rest in peace.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began after Kim Sae Ron’s death at age 24, which police ruled as a suicide. She was a well-known actress who debuted as a child in films like The Man from Nowhere. Her career faced challenges after a 2022 drunk-driving incident, which led to a fine of about $14,000 USD and public backlash. She left Gold Medalist, the same agency as Kim Soo Hyun, after the incident.
Rumors about a relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron started in 2024 when she posted a photo of them together on Instagram, which she quickly deleted. After her death, HoverLab, a YouTube channel known for political content, claimed that the two had a six-year relationship starting in 2015, when Kim Sae Ron was 15. The channel released photos, videos, and a letter allegedly written by Kim Sae Ron, describing Kim Soo Hyun as her “first and last love.”
Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team has called this evidence fake, stating that photos and messages were edited or had altered timestamps. They also filed charges against HoverLab for violating South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act and for stalking, as the channel allegedly threatened to release more content if Disney+ did not cancel Kim Soo Hyun’s drama Knock Off.
Impact on Kim Soo Hyun’s Career
The controversy has had a significant impact on Kim Soo Hyun’s career. Major brands, including Prada, ended their partnerships with the actor in March 2025. Prada announced the mutual decision to end the collaboration but did not provide further details. Some online users have linked this to the so-called “Prada Curse,” a theory that suggests celebrities associated with the brand face career troubles.
The 12 billion KRW lawsuit faced a setback when the Seoul Central District Court asked Kim Soo Hyun’s team to correct a discrepancy in the claimed damages, initially registered as 11 billion KRW. The court also ordered payment of litigation fees of about 38 million KRW (around $27,000 USD). As of April 17, 2025, Kim Soo Hyun’s team had not paid the fees, and they requested an extension. If the fees are not paid, the lawsuit could be dismissed.
Police Investigations and Public Reactions
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency began investigating the defamation cases involving Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron on March 24, 2025. The investigation includes complaints against HoverLab for sharing an explicit photo of Kim Soo Hyun without consent, which violates South Korea’s Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. The police are also looking into defamation claims against Kim Sae Ron’s family and a person claiming to be her aunt.
Public reactions are mixed. Some netizens have criticized Kim Soo Hyun, with calls to boycott his drama Knock Off. Others have defended him, arguing that the allegations lack solid evidence.
It’s heartbreaking seeing someone dragged over rumors with no proof. He’s not fueling the fire, just trusting lawyers, hope he’s holding up. — @aprilciency on X Kim Soo Hyun’s fan union filing defamation complaints isn’t about silencing truth—it’s about stopping false info, fake images & harmful rumors. — @KimSooHyunDaE on X
Fans in Japan have launched a petition to protect Kim Soo Hyun’s rights, stating that celebrities are human too. A separate petition in South Korea, pushing for stricter laws on underage relationships, has gained 40,000 signatures, but legal experts say the case against Kim Soo Hyun lacks key evidence for criminal charges.
Current Status of Legal Actions
As of April 22, 2025, the Kim Soo Hyun Fan Union is moving forward with their complaint at the Seoul Seongbuk Police Station. Gold Medalist continues to monitor online platforms, including YouTube and X, and is working with overseas legal teams to address defamatory content on foreign platforms. The 12 billion KRW lawsuit remains in limbo due to the unpaid litigation fees, but Kim Soo Hyun’s team is expected to address this soon.
Kim Soo Hyun, known for hit dramas like My Love from the Star and Queen of Tears, remains a top actor in South Korea. Despite the challenges, his fans and agency are determined to clear his name and restore his reputation.
