Kim Soo Hyun files legal complaint against Kim Sae Ron’s alleged aunt over ‘private photo distribution’

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

According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency Gold Medalist issued a statement on Thursday through its legal representatives at L.K.B & Partners detailing the legal action.

The statement mentioned that among the photos of Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron published by the YouTube channel Hoverlab—also known as Garo Sero Institute, one reportedly showed the actor allegedly washing dishes at Kim Sae Ron’s house without pants. L.K.B & Partners described the image as potentially sexually insulting and inappropriate for public release, according to The Korea Times.

Gold Medalist has thus filed a criminal complaint against Hoverlab’s operator Kim Se Ui, as well as an unnamed individual who claims to be Kim Sae Ron’s aunt, alleging that she provided the photograph to the YouTube channel, according to the statement.

"Posting the photograph on a YouTube channel constitutes a clear criminal act, and Hoverlab has threatened Kim Soo Hyun, stating that they will continue to release similar photos," the statement continued. "Given these circumstances, Gold Medalist has no choice but to take legal action."

The agency also noted that it had refrained from pursuing legal action against Kim Sae Ron’s family out of respect, but that "false information spread by Hoverlab through broadcasts and other means, along with the unverified rumors," had gotten out of hand and "continue to spread in real time online."

The controversy over Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron’s alleged relationship began when Hoverlab aired an interview on March 10 with the woman claiming to be the late actress’ aunt. She alleged that the two artists had been romantically involved for six years, beginning when Kim Sae Ron was 15.

Kim Sae Ron’s family later claimed that Kim Soo Hyun pressured the actress to repay 700 million won (US$481,626), a financial strain they say contributed to her struggles before her death at age 25. The disputed sum was allegedly provided by Kim Soo Hyun and Gold Medalist to help Kim Sae Ron manage the fallout from her 2022 DUI incident, which severely impacted her career.

Gold Medalist has denied the allegations of underage dating, stating that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron were only romantically involved between the summer of 2019—when she legally became an adult—and the autumn of 2020.

Still, the controversy has had significant repercussions for Kim Soo Hyun, leading to a decline in his public image, the loss of major brand endorsements, and a sharp drop in social media followers. The actor has also reportedly lost his title as South Korea’s highest-paid actor amid the scandal.

At 37, Kim Soo Hyun is one of South Korea’s most prominent actors, rising to international fame through hit dramas 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."

Kim Sae Ron was found dead in her Seoul home on Feb. 16, with authorities ruling out foul play. Her funeral was held on Feb. 19.

She gained global recognition as the youngest South Korean actress to attend the Cannes Film Festival for her role in the 2009 film "A Brand New Life" and was the youngest nominee for Best Actress at South Korea’s prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards. However, her career declined after her 2022 DUI incident, which led to the cancellation of multiple acting roles and endorsement deals.