The tragic passing of actress Kim Sae Ron on February 16, 2025, has left a void in the entertainment world, but her story continues to unfold through newly revealed documents and interviews. A letter she wrote to her husband in New York, alongside statements from her close friends and her husband, has reignited discussions about her alleged relationship with actorKim Soo Hyun and the controversies that shadowed her final years. At the center of these revelations is the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (HoverLab), which has brought forth claims that have stirred both sympathy and debate.
Kim Sae Ron’s death, ruled a suicide by authorities, came amid personal struggles, mounting debt, and a media storm that refused to relent. Here, we explore the latest developments in the Kim Sae Ron Kim Soo Hyun controversy, piecing together her story with care and clarity.
A Letter of Regret: Kim Sae Ron’s Words to Her Husband
In early February 2025, just weeks before her death, Kim Sae Ron penned an emotional letter to her New York husband. Released by Garosero Research Institute, the letter reveals her heartache over the collapse of their brief marriage. She wrote:
“I loved you very much. When you weren’t by my side during hard times, I leaned on others. I think that’s what ruined us.”— Kim Sae Ron’s letter to her husband
The letter, coupled with handwritten “pledges” exchanged between the couple in January 2025 as they prepared for marriage, paints a picture of a woman grappling with guilt and emotional turmoil. These documents have become key pieces in understanding her state of mind in her final days.
The Husband’s Perspective: Breaking the Silence
Kim Sae Ron’s New York husband, who married her in January 2025 after a whirlwind romance that began in November 2024, spoke out in an interview aired by Garosero Research Institute. He aimed to counter what he called “false allegations” spread by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, particularly claims of assault and rumors about Kim Sae Ron’s pregnancy and abortion. He stated:
“How could someone who was abused visit me several times in the U.S. of her own will?”— Kim Sae Ron’s husband
He dismissed the pregnancy rumors as illogical, suggesting that any such claims might have stemmed from external pressures Kim Sae Ron faced. He also acknowledged her mention of a past six-year relationship but refrained from confirming Kim Soo Hyun as the cause of her depression, leaving that question unanswered.
The Kim Soo Hyun Allegations: A Six-Year Relationship?
The heart of the controversy lies in allegations that Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun were romantically involved for six years, beginning when she was only 15 and still in middle school. Garosero Research Institute has championed this narrative, claiming the relationship spanned from 2015 to 2021 and left Kim Sae Ron emotionally scarred and financially burdened by a 700 million KRW (approximately $525,000 USD) debt.
Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has vehemently denied these accusations. In an official statement, they asserted that the two only dated briefly between 2019 and 2020, when Kim Sae Ron was 19 and no longer a minor. They also refuted claims of exploitation, noting that they had supported her financially and were pursuing legal action against Garosero Research Institute and Kim Sae Ron’s family for spreading misinformation.
The channel has escalated the situation by announcing a press conference on March 27, 2025, where attorney Bae Ji Seok, representing Kim Sae Ron’s family, plans to present photo evidence of the alleged relationship. This move has kept the Kim Sae Ron death and its surrounding controversies in the spotlight.
A Friend’s Testimony: Blaming Kim Soo Hyun and Lee Jin Ho
An audio recording released by Garosero Research Institute features a conversation between YouTuber Lee Jin Ho and one of Kim Sae Ron’s close friends. The friend accused Lee Jin Ho of damaging Kim Sae Ron’s reputation with misleading coverage, saying:
“Contrary to what he said about her not working, she was actually working at a café.”— Kim Sae Ron’s friend
She went further, alleging that Kim Sae Ron endured significant pressure during her relationship with Kim Soo Hyun, who reportedly promised marriage while maintaining other romantic ties. The friend claimed that Kim Soo Hyun bore 70% of the responsibility for Kim Sae Ron’s death, with Lee Jin Ho contributing 25% and her New York husband 5%. She also hinted at knowing details of the relationship from when Kim Sae Ron was underage, though no concrete evidence has substantiated this claim beyond the family’s assertions.
Garosero Research Institute’s Role and Ethical Questions
Garosero Research Institute has positioned itself as an advocate for Kim Sae Ron’s family, but its methods have sparked debate. The channel has accused Kim Sae Ron’s former manager, Kwak Tae Young, and an ex-boyfriend of violating privacy laws by recording and distributing her calls. They’ve also questioned the authenticity of photos allegedly showing self-harm, which her husband attributed to depression rather than abuse.
Digital forensics expert Lee Yo Min has added another layer, suggesting that Lee Jin Ho’s negative videos about Kim Sae Ron were commissioned by Kwak Tae Young, who may have ties to Gold Medalist. These claims remain unverified but have fueled speculation about a coordinated effort to tarnish Kim Sae Ron’s image.
A Family’s Plea and the Husband’s Hope
Kim Sae Ron’s friend emphasized that her family seeks a “sincere apology” from Kim Soo Hyun and Lee Jin Ho, believing it could bring closure. Meanwhile, her husband expressed exhaustion with the media scrutiny, saying:
“I’m just an ordinary person. This is my first time experiencing such media pressure. I can only imagine how painful it was for Kim and her family to endure this for years. I hope the invasion of her privacy stops so that her family can finally find peace.”— Kim Sae Ron’s husband
As legal battles and public speculation continue, the full truth remains elusive. What is clear is that Kim Sae Ron’s life was marked by complexity and pain, leaving behind a legacy now entangled in controversy.
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