The family of the late Kim Sae Ron announced on March 18 that they intend to conduct digital investigations on pictures taken with actor Kim Soo Hyun, expressing disappointment with Gold Medalist, Kim Soo Hyun's agency.
A family representative mentioned to Hankyung.com that they plan to conduct digital forensics on images that could indicate a relationship between Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun when she was underage.
Furthermore, the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (HoverLab) is set to release a video showcasing Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron during their relationship later today.
Kwon Young Chan, the leader of the Korea Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association, pointed out that Kim Sae Ron had been trying to protect Kim Soo Hyun until the end, even contemplating the need for forensics, worried about possible future repercussions.
The family also alleged that Kim Soo Hyun recommended transitioning from KakaoTalk to Telegram for communication.
Additionally, the family criticized Gold Medalist's handling of the situation, especially after the agency falsely claimed that Kim Soo Hyun sent a funeral wreath to Kim Sae Ron's memorial instead of a staff member. They felt that considering their past long-term relationship, Kim Soo Hyun should have attended himself.
The controversy initially arose on March 10 when Garosero Research Institute disclosed a phone conversation with Kim Sae Ron's family, asserting that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron had been in a relationship for six years since 2015 when she was only 15 years old. Allegedly, the channel also shared photos and text messages exchanged between the two.
Gold Medalist, Kim Sae Ron's agency, refuted the claims, maintaining that the relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron began when she was of legal age, dating from the summer of 2019 until the fall of 2020.
The disagreement between the parties persists. Kim Sae Ron's family alleged that Kim Soo Hyun had sent two debt repayment notices, which they interpreted as a threat.
Gold Medalist responded by clarifying that Kim Soo Hyun did not file any damages claim against Kim Sae Ron and that the second notice was simply a legal procedure regarding repayment terms.
The situation is ongoing, with Kim Sae Ron's family releasing an AI-generated memorial video of the late actress.