Kim Sae Ron’s family files legal complaint against Kim Soo Hyun over alleged role in her death at 25

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun. Photo from gold Medalist's Instagram

According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, attorney Bu Ji Seok from Law Firm Buyou, who represents Kim Sae Ron’s family, outlined the case outside the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Bu was accompanied by former comedian Kweon Young Chan, founder of the Korea Celebrity Suicide Prevention Organization, and YouTube operator Kim Se Ui, also known as Kim Say.

According to Bu, the legal team is exploring charges against Kim Soo Hyun regarding events leading up to Kim Sae Ron’s death at age 25, though specific allegations have yet to be detailed. Additionally, lawsuits are being considered against reporters from television and radio broadcaster SBS and news outlet Dispatch, as well as YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, whom the family accuses of publishing "malicious" reports about the actress.

Bu stated that Kim Sae Ron had posted a photo of herself with Kim Soo Hyun leaning their cheeks together on March 24, 2024, in an attempt to clarify that he was not involved in debt collection efforts against her. She reportedly reached out to him but received no response before sharing the image publicly.

"[YouTuber] Lee Jin Ho, in favor of whoever it was, denied their relationship and spread lies that made her look like a very strange woman," Bu said. "He pushed her to a state of excruciating mental pain that led her to an extreme choice."

Lee had posted at least four videos about Kim before her passing, though Kweon claimed the actual number was closer to seven. Many of these videos reportedly criticized Kim Sae Ron for her 2022 drunk-driving incident and her attempts at a career comeback.

The controversy involving Kim Soo Hyun intensified when YouTube channel GaroSaero Research aired an interview with a woman who identified herself as Kim Sae Ron’s aunt on March 10. In the video, the woman alleged that the actress had been in a relationship with Kim Soo Hyun for six years, starting when she was 15.

Kim Soo Hyun’s agency Gold Medalist, which he co-founded, later acknowledged that the actors had dated from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. According to this timeline, Kim Sae Ron would have been of legal age when the relationship began.

However, this statement contradicted the agency’s earlier denial.

Kim Soo Hyun, 37, debuted in 2007 and rose to prominence through hit series such as "Dream High," "The Moon Embracing the Sun," "My Love from the Star," "It’s Okay to Not Be Okay," and "Queen of Tears." He is one of South Korea’s highest-paid actors, known for commanding top salaries and lucrative endorsement deals.

Kim Sae Ron was found deceased at her Seoul home on Feb. 16. Authorities reported no signs of foul play, and her funeral took place on Feb. 19.

She gained international recognition as the youngest South Korean actress to attend the Cannes Film Festival for her debut role in the 2009 film "A Brand New Life." She was also the youngest nominee for Best Actress at South Korea’s prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards.

However, her career suffered setbacks following her 2022 drunk-driving incident, which led to lost film opportunities and endorsements.