Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, is reportedly gathering evidence and attempting to persuade key individuals to hold a press conference, aiming to address the ongoing controversy surrounding Kim Sae Ron. The agency is trying to counter claims that their actions led to Kim Sae Ron’s death.
Gathering Evidence and Persuasion
Gold Medalist has reportedly met with former officials from Kim Sae Ron’s previous agency and her acquaintances. The agency aims to secure evidence and materials that suggest Kim Sae Ron’s death was not solely caused by their demand for a 700 million KRW repayment.
An entertainment industry source stated, “I understand that Gold Medalist has confirmed through various channels certain materials and data that can infer Kim Sae Ron’s schedule and emotional state in the months before her death. They have also met with several individuals who support this, and they are currently trying to persuade one or two key figures to step forward for an interview or press conference.”
Given the strong influence of the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, which represents the bereaved family’s stance, directly countering every claim is difficult. Gold Medalist is trying to manage the situation, especially with over ten advertisement deals lost and financial losses to programs and projects Kim Sae Ron was involved in. The agency’s strategy focuses on addressing grievances without further upsetting the deceased’s family.
Crisis Management Strategy
Kim Soo Hyun’s side is managing the crisis through a three-part strategy. A law firm is handling legal reviews, a management team is monitoring media and advertisements, and a crisis management team of internal and external experts is in operation.
The crisis management team has been meeting with Kim Sae Ron’s acquaintances and former agency officials to understand her situation before her death. This has led to speculation that they have gathered significant statements and data.
One key detail is Kim Sae Ron’s two-week trip to the U.S. in January, a month before her death. At that time, Kim Sae Ron posted the word “Marry” and a photo with a man on social media, sparking marriage rumors. While these were initially dismissed, reports now indicate that the man was a Korean-American working at a U.S. company, with whom she had a marriage promise. The claim is that her U.S. trip was for wedding preparations.
If this is true, the bereaved family’s claim that Gold Medalist’s legal notices and Kim Soo Hyun’s severed contact led to her death may be weakened.
An industry source cautiously noted, “Gold Medalist, under pressure, wants to escape the frame of ‘Kim Soo Hyun’s responsibility’ as soon as possible. I wonder if there is a smoking gun strong enough to console the bereaved family and shift public opinion.”
There is concern that if Kim Soo Hyun’s side does not offer a sincere apology, it could escalate the situation.
