The entertainment world is abuzz with the latest developments surrounding the controversy involving Kim Soo Hyun and the late Kim Sae Ron. Following a statement from Gold Medalist, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, which refuted claims made by HOVERLAB and the bereaved family, a new layer of complexity has emerged regarding the identity of an individual who spoke out on Kim Sae Ron’s behalf.
Gold Medalist Addresses Claims and Identity of Informant
Gold Medalist released a detailed statement on March 18, directly addressing the allegations surrounding Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron. The agency specifically denied claims that they did not attend Kim Sae Ron’s funeral, stating that representatives visited the funeral home on February 17 and 19, 2025, offered condolences to the family, and provided a wreath and monetary contribution.
Furthermore, Gold Medalist addressed the identity of a woman who appeared on HOVERLAB and was referred to as Kim Sae Ron’s aunt. The agency asserted that this individual is not actually her biological aunt.
“Additionally, the bereaved family has made numerous false claims about Gold Medalist and Kim Soo Hyun. For example, they alleged that our company did not attend the late Kim Sae Ron’s funeral. However, we visited the funeral home on February 17 and 19, 2025, met with the family, and offered a condolence wreath and monetary tribute.”
HOVERLAB had presented the informant as Kim Sae Ron’s aunt, who allegedly leaked information about Kim Soo Hyun’s private life. However, media reports later indicated that she was not a direct maternal sibling. During a press conference, Kim Sae Ron’s bereaved family clarified the relationship:
“The late Kim Sae Ron’s mother does not have a married sister. More than anyone, the ‘aunt’ who recently gave an interview was like a second mother to Sae Ron.”
They further described her as being “closer than a biological aunt.”
Gold Medalist highlighted the ambiguity of this description, noting that the public’s perception of the informant’s credibility might depend on whether she is a blood relative or simply a close friend. The agency then made a significant revelation:
“Furthermore, several industry insiders have informed us that this informant is actually the mother of a certain actress.”
Gold Medalist argued that while the accuracy of testimony is paramount, they were addressing the informant’s identity because the bereaved family had stated that “targeting a family member is a grave mistake” while simultaneously allegedly leaking Kim Soo Hyun’s private photos without his consent.
Netizens Praise the “Aunt” for Her Courage
Despite Gold Medalist’s attempts to question the informant’s credibility by revealing her connection to another actress, Korean netizens are largely commending her for stepping up and supporting Kim Sae Ron. Many are expressing admiration for her bravery in speaking out, even with the potential risk of her identity being exposed and the possible repercussions for her own child’s career.
Here are some of the comments from netizens:
“Thoughts upon realizing that the aunt is the mother of a certain actress: I don’t know who that actress is, but she grew up with a good mother.”
“I think it’s more amazing that she stepped up even though she’s the mother of an actress. She could’ve stayed quiet afraid that any backlash could affect her own child.”
“It’s not easy to step up for someone else when everyone else turns their back.”
“Kim Sae Ron’s family must feel so grateful to that actress’s mother who stepped up for Kim Sae Ron.”
“Whoever that actress is, she does have a good mother.”
“I think it’s amazing how that aunt stepped up for Kim Sae Ron even if she wasn’t her blood niece.”
“I have someone I call aunt too who is not my actual aunt.”
“I think Gold Medalist is trash for trying to threaten the aunt like this.”
“I don’t know who this ‘aunt’ is but she’s very loyal and has so much courage.”
“I can’t believe there is someone like the aunt who is willing to step up for someone not her own.”
“I think it’s more amazing she’s doing all this for someone who is not actually family.”
“She has more risk if her personal information gets exposed. But she still did it. Which is amazing.”
“She a good person. I wonder who the actress is.”
“I think the actress’s image would be even better if the mother’s identity gets revealed.”
“She’s a true adult.”
“Kim Sae Ron had one adult by her side who is good.”
“I get why the ‘aunt’ is more angry. It’s because her daughter works in the same industry. So it’s natural she would get more furious over this.”
“She definitely must’ve taught her daughter to be good.”
The overwhelming sentiment among netizens is one of respect and gratitude towards the unnamed actress’s mother for her courage and loyalty to Kim Sae Ron, regardless of the exact nature of their familial connection.
