South Korean police are handling ten legal cases linked to the late actress Kim Sae Ron and actor Kim Soo Hyun, following allegations of an underage relationship. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed on May 19 that seven cases are being handled by Gangnam Police Station, while three others are under Seodaemun Police Station .
Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team has filed seven complaints, including defamation and stalking charges against Garo Sero Research Institute, a YouTube channel that released audio recordings allegedly proving the relationship. Meanwhile, Kim Sae Ron’s family filed three complaints, accusing the actor of violating the Child Welfare Act .
The controversy began when Garo Sero shared an audio clip in which Kim Sae Ron allegedly claimed she had a sexual relationship with Kim Soo Hyun at age 14. However, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, denied the claims, stating the recording was AI-generated and manipulated .
“The voice recording is AI-generated, not a real recording. Garo Sero’s claims are false and unacceptable.” — LKB & Partners (Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team)
Further doubts arose when the whistleblower, Mr. A, admitted to fabricating the audio. He also falsely claimed he was stabbed nine times in the neck, but medical reports showed only arm injuries. Photos of his wounds were later exposed as stock images .
“I sent a fake audio to Gold Medalist on purpose. If I didn’t, they would’ve thought I was a spy.” — Mr. A (Whistleblower)
Kim Soo Hyun held a press conference in March, denying any romantic involvement with Kim Sae Ron before she turned 18. He also disputed KakaoTalk messages and photos released by Garo Sero, stating forensic analysis proved they were doctored .
The legal battle has affected Kim Soo Hyun’s career. Taiwan’s 7-Eleven canceled a collaboration with him, citing $130 million in losses due to the scandal . Meanwhile, Garo Sero faces backlash for allegedly threatening Disney+ to drop Kim Soo Hyun’s drama “Knock Off” .
Kim Sae Ron’s family lawyer, Bu Ji Seok, is also under scrutiny after being reported to South Korea’s National Human Rights Commission for misleading legal advice .
The police are still investigating all claims, including whether Garo Sero spread false information. No official charges have been filed yet, but the case remains one of South Korea’s biggest celebrity scandals in 2025.
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