Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, GOLD MEDALIST, has filed a criminal lawsuit against Kim Sae-ron’s family and YouTube channel operator Kim Sae-eui over the unauthorized distribution of an alleged private photo. According to Koreaboo, the complaint was lodged following the broadcast of the image on the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, where Soo-hyun was reportedly pictured in a compromising situation at Kim Sae-ron’s home.
Reasons Behind the Legal Complaint
The lawsuit also targets an unidentified person claiming to be Kim Sae-ron’s aunt, alleging that this individual supplied the photo to Kim Sae-eui, leading to its public exposure.
A statement from GOLD MEDALIST explains, “The charges include violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc., of Sexual Crimes (distribution of footage filmed using cameras, etc.). The photo, taken during a time when Kim Soo-hyun was in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron, contains content that could cause him serious humiliation. This image should never have been made public, nor does it serve any valid purpose in being shared.”
Nature of the Controversial Photo
The agency further emphasized that sharing such images online is a criminal act, adding that Garo Sero has been making threats to release additional similar photos. Due to this, GOLD MEDALIST has decided to pursue legal action aggressively.
The statement continues, “Posting such images on a public platform is a direct violation of privacy and a punishable offense. The act of circulating or displaying another person’s private images without their consent, particularly in a way that could cause humiliation or distress, is a serious crime. We hope that such behavior is not repeated.”
Additionally, the agency noted that false information and rumors regarding Kim Soo-hyun continue to spread on the internet, further damaging his reputation. While the agency initially chose not to take legal action against Kim Sae-ron’s family, the unauthorized release of private content has become an issue that cannot be ignored.
Ongoing Allegations Against Kim Soo-hyun
Kim Soo-hyun has recently been embroiled in controversy, with allegations of a past relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was underage. Another Soompi report claimed that he had been pressuring her to repay a financial penalty of 700 million won (approximately $481,200).
Tragically, Kim Sae-ron was found deceased in February at her home. Following her 2024 drunk driving incident, she reportedly struggled financially, working part-time jobs to cover debts. In 2024, she had briefly posted a photo with Kim Soo-hyun, which was quickly deleted, fueling speculation about their relationship.
