The late Kim Sae Ron’s family is under public scrutiny following new claims about their actions after her passing. A recent report has raised questions about their intentions, particularly regarding a rental deposit and their allegations against Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist.
Father’s Request for Rental Deposit
On February 18, 2025, just one day after Kim Sae Ron’s funeral, her biological father contacted her landlord to request the return of a ₩50.0 million KRW (about $35,700 USD) rental deposit. The landlord informed him that the deposit was not paid by Kim Sae Ron but by an executive from an education company, referred to as Mr. A.
Mr. A had stepped in to help Kim Sae Ron during her financial difficulties, paying deposits for two homes she lived in. A close friend, a singer identified as B, also contributed to one of the deposits. Both chose to pay directly to avoid personal complications.
The landlord clarified that the lease was under Mr. A’s name, meaning the deposit could not be returned to the family. Kim Sae Ron’s father accepted the explanation after understanding the situation.
Kim Sae Ron’s Financial Struggles
Despite her financial challenges, Kim Sae Ron never missed rent payments. She covered all living expenses through part-time work, including jobs at coffee shops, after her career was impacted by a 2022 drunk driving incident.
Her financial difficulties were compounded by public backlash and legal consequences following the incident. She faced a fine of ₩20.0 million KRW (about $15,000 USD) and dropped out of the drama Trolley in 2022.
Allegations Against Gold Medalist
Kim Sae Ron’s family has claimed that her former agency, Gold Medalist, pressured her to repay a ₩700.0 million KRW (about $482,395 USD) debt related to her drunk driving incident. They alleged this contributed to her emotional distress before her death on February 16, 2025.
However, records show that Gold Medalist had written off the debt and had no plans to pursue legal repayment. The agency sent two formal notifications to Kim Sae Ron’s side, but these were described as “procedural” with no interest or fees charged.
“The agency clarified that the notifications were procedural and asked for understanding,” a Money Today report stated.
Claims About Kim Soo Hyun Relationship
The family also alleged that Kim Sae Ron was in a romantic relationship with Kim Soo Hyun when she was a minor, starting in 2015 when she was 15. They presented KakaoTalk messages from 2016 as evidence, claiming the relationship lasted six years.
Kim Soo Hyun and Gold Medalist have denied these claims, stating that their relationship occurred only between 2019 and 2020, when Kim Sae Ron was an adult. Both were publicly known to be dating other people from 2016 to 2019.
A Money Today report highlighted factual errors in the family’s claims. A photo referenced as evidence from 2016 was taken after 2019. Other images released were also debunked, with some not even featuring Kim Soo Hyun.
“The ‘spicy chicken stew’ video, supposedly filmed at Kim Soo Hyun’s house in 2018, actually included other people present at the time,” Money Today reported.
Public and Netizen Reactions
Korean netizens have expressed skepticism about the family’s actions and motives in online comments. Many questioned their awareness of Kim Sae Ron’s life and struggles.
“It seems like the so-called ‘bereaved family’ had absolutely no interest in the deceased while she was alive. They didn’t even know she was married. Didn’t know whether she was in the U.S. or Korea. Didn’t know she was being abused and gaslit by her husband. Didn’t know how she managed to get a rental home.”
“Asking for the deposit back just two days after their daughter died? Are they out of their minds?”
“This whole thing is a national scam orchestrated by Garosero and the fake ‘aunt.’ What did Kim Soo Hyun ever do to deserve this?”
Some netizens criticized the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (Hoverlab), which has been involved in spreading allegations, for potentially misleading the public.
Family’s Legal Actions
The family, represented by attorney Bu Ji Seok, held a press conference on March 27, 2025, to address the controversy. They filed a defamation complaint against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, accusing him of spreading false information about Kim Sae Ron’s life, including claims of a secret marriage and abortion.
Bu Ji Seok presented messages allegedly between Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun from 2016, insisting they proved an underage relationship. The family stated they wanted to stop speculation and criticism directed at them.
“The family is suffering from extreme anxiety as well as severe mental and physical distress. We wish to put an end to the controversy by presenting evidence,” Bu Ji Seok said.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Response
Kim Soo Hyun addressed the allegations at a press conference on March 31, 2025, denying any underage relationship. He admitted to dating Kim Sae Ron between 2019 and 2020 and presented a recorded phone call showing Gold Medalist offered leniency on the debt.
“I can’t admit to something I didn’t do,” Kim Soo Hyun said. “Many people are suffering because of me.”
His agency filed a criminal complaint against Kim Sae Ron’s family, Garosero, and an individual claiming to be her aunt, citing defamation and illegal distribution of private materials. They also pursued a civil lawsuit for ₩12.0 billion KRW (about $8.1 million USD) in damages.
Additional Claims and Denials
Kim Sae Ron’s alleged ex-boyfriend, Mr. K, disputed the family’s claims, stating her despair stemmed from family indifference rather than Kim Soo Hyun’s actions. He provided evidence of her self-harm incidents, noting the family’s lack of support during her hospitalization.
The family denied claims by Lee Jin Ho that Kim Sae Ron was possessed by a spirit or involved in a secret marriage. They clarified that her interest in folk beliefs came from roles in Manshin: Ten Thousand Spirits and The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim.
Impact on Kim Soo Hyun’s Career
The controversy has affected Kim Soo Hyun’s career, with brands like Prada and Dinto ending partnerships. His Disney+ drama Knock Off was delayed, and a variety show appearance was postponed.
Kim Soo Hyun has suspended public activities and is reportedly staying with family in Seoul.
More Related News:
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Kim Soo-hyun Unlikely to be Held Accountable to Pay ₩5.8 Billion Ad Penalty, Says Legal Expert
Kim Soo-hyun’s Galleria Foret Apartment Sets Record with 9 Billion KRW Sale
As of May 4, 2025, public scrutiny of Kim Sae Ron’s family continues, fueled by the rental deposit incident and their ongoing legal battles. The family has not commented on the latest reports about the deposit, and investigations into the defamation complaints are ongoing.
CREDITS: Money Today
