Kim Soo Hyun files criminal complaint against late Kim Sae Ron's family over inappropriate photo leak

On March 20, actor Kim Soo Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, announced through their legal representatives at L.K.B & Partners that they have filed a criminal complaint against Kim Se Eui, the operator of the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (HoverLab), and the family members of the late actress Kim Sae Ron who allegedly provided the photo. The complaint alleges violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (distribution of illegal footage).

Gold Medalist stated, "As the management agency for actor Kim Soo Hyun, we have filed a criminal complaint today against Kim Se Eui, who posted a photo of Kim Soo Hyun in a state of undress during a live broadcast on his YouTube channel, and against an unidentified person who claims to be the aunt of the late Kim Sae Ron, who provided the photo to Kim Se Eui, leading to its public release."

The agency emphasized that the photo in question was taken when Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron were adults and reportedly in a romantic relationship. "The photo captures a part of Kim Soo Hyun’s body that could cause him sexual embarrassment. It should never have been made public, nor was there any justification for its release," they added.

The statement further clarified, "Posting such an image on a YouTube channel constitutes a clear criminal act. Moreover, Garosero Research Institute has threatened to continue releasing similar photos, which leaves us no choice but to take strong legal action. The unauthorized distribution or public display of intimate images that could cause sexual embarrassment is a serious crime. We hope that such behavior will not be repeated."

Gold Medalist warned of further legal action, stating, "If the late Kim Sae Ron’s family and Garosero Research Institute continue to spread false information, we will be left with no choice but to take comprehensive legal action to protect the honor and reputation of our actor and the agency."

This comes after Garosero Research Institute publicly revealed a photo on March 15 showing Kim Soo Hyun washing dishes while wearing only a t-shirt and underwear at the late Kim Sae Ron's home. Garosero Research Institute claimed that they had obtained permission from Kim Sae Ron's family before releasing the image.

Full Statement from Kim Soo Hyun’s Agency

1. Gold Medalist, as the management company for Kim Soo Hyun, has filed a criminal complaint today against Kim Se Eui, the operator of the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, and an unidentified person claiming to be the aunt of the late Kim Sae Ron, who provided the photo that was posted during a live broadcast. The charges include violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (distribution of illegal footage).

2. We would like to emphasize that we are deeply saddened by the passing of Kim Sae Ron, who was once a part of our agency, and we have been mourning her loss. However, the photo that Garosero Research Institute posted was taken when Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron were adults and involved in a personal relationship. It captures a part of Kim Soo Hyun’s body that could cause him sexual embarrassment and should never have been made public. Posting such an image constitutes a criminal act. Furthermore, Garosero Research Institute has threatened to release more similar photos, which leaves us with no choice but to take decisive legal action.

3. Additionally, the false information spread by late Kim Sae Ron’s family and Garosero Research Institute continues to circulate online, fueling baseless rumors. Out of respect for Kim Sae Ron's memory, we initially refrained from taking legal action against her family. However, the unauthorized distribution of Kim Soo Hyun’s private photo is a serious violation, and given the risk of recurrence, we have decided to proceed with legal action.

4. If late Kim Sae Ron’s family and Garosero Research Institute persist in spreading false information, we will take comprehensive legal measures to protect our actor and our agency.

March 20, 2025
Legal Representative for Gold Medalist
L.K.B & Partners