Did biggest K-drama star really date a 15-year-old? Agency responds
What's the story
Once Korea's highest-paid actor, Kim Soo-hyun's agency GOLDMEDALIST has released a detailed statement denying allegations made by the family of late actor Kim Sae-ron.
The statement, released on Tuesday, comes after claims made at a press conference by Sae-ron's family in partnership with HoverLab Inc (Garosero Research Institute).
The agency also emphasized that any past relationship was between consenting adults, firmly rejecting the minor dating allegations.
Canceled
The aftermath of Kim's tragic death
Sae-ron's death by suicide last month reignited controversy over her alleged past relationship with Kim, who was apparently 27 when he started dating a 15-year-old Sae-ron.
Reports also claimed she owed him (and GOLDMEDALIST) a significant sum of money but due to her DUI case was unable to pay it back. As the backlash grew, major brands severed ties with him.
Sae-ron died on February 16 at the age of 24.
Media coverage
The controversial photo and claims by HoverLab
HoverLab first alleged that Kim and Sae-ron were romantically involved when she was still a minor. Similar claims were brought forth by Sae-ron's aunt, too.
Among the photos released to back this claim, one featured Kim in Sae-ron's house. On Tuesday, GOLDMEDALIST clarified that the house in question, previously shown in broadcasts featuring Sae-ron, was acquired by her as an adult, thus matching their claim of the actors dating when Sae-ron was an adult.
Minor dating
Agency debunked leaked photo
The late actor's family's claim that Kim dated her when she was a minor was also based on a photo posted in June 2017, by a fan of Sae-ron online.
They argued that the man in the picture was Kim because he was wearing an outfit similar to the one he had previously advertised. However, GOLDMEDALIST firmly denied the accusation.
Earlier, the family had cited media's invasive reporting on Sae-ron's personal life as a factor contributing to her tragic passing.
Clarification
Why debt repayment notifications were sent
The agency explained why notifications regarding debt repayment were sent to Sae-ron.
They revealed the second certification of contents sent on March 25, 2024, was to provide Sae-ron with a more accurate explanation.
"As stated in our previous statement, we sent a notice by mail to inform Sae-Ron that our claims against her were in a 'non-recoverable' state, allowing us to write off the debt and eliminate any potential for occupational breach of trust by our executives."
Denial
Agency denied allegations of 'demanding repayment'
While Sae-ron's family claimed the second certification of contents "demanded that the deceased repay her debt within a given period," the agency denied the claim.
They explained the second certification of contents merely stated that they were willing to negotiate the method and timing of the debt repayment with Sae-ron and requested that she inform her legal representative of a possible repayment schedule.
Response
The agency addressed false claims and urged for accurate reporting
Further, the agency refuted other false claims made by the family, including accusations of not attending Sae-ron's funeral.
They explained, "However, we visited the funeral hall on February 17 and February 19, 2025, to meet the family, offer our condolences, and leave a wreath and condolence money."
They also urged the bereaved family to stop the incessant circulation of false information.
Refutation
The agency denied involvement in defaming actor Seo Ye-ji
GOLDMEDALIST also denied HoverLab's accusations that they colluded with the media to defame actor Seo Ye-ji.
They said, "This claim is a false assertion led by an anonymous informant, and even the manager who was in charge of Seo-ye-ji at the time, who has since left the company, contacted us in disbelief."
The agency called on HoverLab to stop spreading baseless, unaccountable lies.
With the controversy escalating, reports suggest Kim's upcoming drama Knock Off with Jo Bo-ah might be canceled.