Garosero Research Institute and YouTuber Lee Jin Ho spark controversy over leaked late Kim Sae Ron audio and Kim Soo Hyun allegations

On March 21, Garosero Research Institute (HoverLab) has questioned the authenticity and source of the audio recording recently released by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho. The institute suggested that the content may not be entirely reliable and warned that additional revelations involving actor Kim Soo Hyun could emerge in the future. The situation remains under close scrutiny as new developments are anticipated.

Late Kim Sae Ron’s manager, Kwak Tae Young, immediately responded to the release of the recording, stating, "I never gave Lee Jin Ho the recording or asked him to broadcast it." Garosero Research Institute claimed that Kwak Tae Young might have handed the recording to Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, which then allegedly passed it on to Lee Jin Ho.

This raised significant legal concerns, as such an action could violate the Protection of Communications Secrets Act. Garosero Research Institute emphasized that if the recording was obtained or shared without permission, it would be a clear breach of communications privacy laws. They also stated that if Gold Medalist was involved in distributing the recording, the agency would face legal responsibility.

An analysis of the recording released by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho later revealed that the audio had been manipulated. Sports Chosun reported that the recording showed signs of editing, such as unnatural cuts and manipulated sound gaps. Additionally, Chinese netizens have raised doubts about the authenticity of the recording, further fueling concerns about its credibility.

Following the recording’s release, Lee Jin Ho announced plans to sue late Kim Sae Ron’s alleged 'fake aunt.' Late Kim Sae Ron’s mother strongly objected to this claim, asserting that the woman in question had been part of their family for nearly two decades.

Late Kim Sae Ron’s mother stated:

"Lee Jin Ho claims he’s going to sue late Kim Sae Ron’s ‘fake aunt.’ But that person has never harmed us. She is simply Sae Ron’s aunt. If someone needs to file a lawsuit, it should be us — not him. Why is he doing this? Is he trying to distract the public so they forget about what he’s done? Whether she’s a ‘real aunt’ or a ‘fake aunt’ — does that even matter? She has been with us for nearly 20 years, taking care of Sae Ron’ and helping manage the household. Our children have considered her family for years. She’s been by Sae Ron’s side through hard times and was there after Sae Ron’s passing, providing emotional support to our family."

Late Kim Sae Ron's mother described the aunt as a key figure who had supported Kim Sae Ron throughout her early years as a child actress. She also mentioned that the aunt was handling the family's external communications following Kim Sae Ron's passing.

The late Kim Sae Ron’s dog was originally raised solely for breeding purposes and kept confined in a cage. However, Kim Sae Ron, finding the dog adorable, decided to adopt it from an animal protection association and raise it herself. At the time of Kim Sae Ron’s passing, the dog was reportedly at the scene, licking her hand. It has been stated that the bereaved family continues to take responsibility for and care for the dog after her death.

Late Kim Sae Ron’s mother firmly denied rumors that Kim Sae Ron had been secretly married or pregnant. She explained that she had initially planned a press conference with her lawyer to refute these false claims, but her health deteriorated, forcing her to cancel it.

Garosero Research Institute stated that they were investigating the timeline surrounding late Kim Sae Ron’s alleged marriage and divorce to a man from New York. They noted that the dates did not match up and promised to reveal accurate details after completing their investigation.

Garosero Research Institute also accused Kim Soo Hyun of having a questionable relationship with a middle school student. They announced plans to release more information about this case, warning that if the details were exposed, Kim Soo Hyun’s career could face irreversible damage.

In addition, Garosero Research Institute claimed to possess evidence of Kim Soo Hyun’s alleged sexual deviance and stated that they would release further information at a later date. 

Kim Soo Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has filed a lawsuit against the family of the late Kim Sae Ron over the unauthorized release of an inappropriate photo. The image, which depicted Kim Soo Hyun washing dishes, was deemed sexually suggestive by some viewers. In response, the agency acknowledged the controversy and pursued legal action. This controversy follows Kim Soo Hyun's filing of a criminal complaint against late Kim Sae Ron's family over the leak of an inappropriate photo. Garoseero Research Institute also mentioned the image of Kim Soo Hyun wearing a T-shirt that belongs to the late Kim Sae Ron's mother.

Garosero Research Institute further alleged that Kim Soo Hyun had previously operated an online shopping mall linked to a scandal involving adult content. They claimed that a controversial photo existed, showing a nude model alongside Kim Soo Hyun, but they were unable to release it due to platform restrictions. As a result of the controversy, Kim Soo Hyun’s shopping mall business eventually shut down the online store.

Garosero Research Institute condemned Lee Jin Ho’s ongoing harassment of late Kim Sae Ron’s family and called on the police to take immediate action to arrest him. They also accused Kim Soo Hyun’s agency of attempting to deflect attention from the real issues by releasing the manipulated recording and making false claims about the 'fake aunt.' Garosero Research Institute additionally demanded that Kim Soo Hyun’s agency and Lee Jin Ho take responsibility for the false accusations and malicious framing of late Kim Sae Ron as a 'bad woman.'

Late Kim Sae Ron’s mother concluded her statement with the following remarks: "Why is it so hard for Lee Jin Ho to apologize? Is it really that difficult? Please stop trying to shift the focus from the real issue. He needs to stop these distractions and take responsibility for his actions."