Kim Soo Hyun’s Agency Addresses Garo Sero’s Claims in Detailed Statement

Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has issued a comprehensive statement in response to a press conference held by the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute. The statement, released on May 7, 2025, addresses allegations involving forged audio recordings and false claims about the late actress Kim Sae Ron. The agency, represented by the law firm LKB & Partners, strongly denies the accusations and outlines plans for legal action. This follows ongoing disputes after Kim Sae Ron’s tragic passing in February 2025. Below is the full statement from Gold Medalist, along with details of the controversy.

Garo Sero’s Press Conference Claims

Garo Sero Research Institute held a press conference in Seoul, presenting an audio recording they claimed featured Kim Sae Ron discussing her relationship with Kim Soo Hyun. The channel accused Kim Soo Hyun of wrongdoing, alleging the recording was evidence of their claims. They also claimed an informant, who provided the audio, was attacked by Gold Medalist’s attorney, Ko Sang Rok, and released a photo to support this accusation. These claims have fueled public debate, with Garo Sero asserting the audio proves a controversial relationship timeline.

“Kim Sae Ron’s voice was clear in the recording, talking about her relationship with Kim Soo Hyun. It’s undeniable evidence.”
– Garo Sero Research Institute, press conference statement

Netizens reacted strongly to the press conference. Many expressed skepticism about the audio’s authenticity, while others criticized Garo Sero for exploiting Kim Sae Ron’s memory.

“This audio sounds manipulated. How can we trust Garo Sero’s claims without proof?”
“Using Sae Ron’s voice like this feels disrespectful to her family.”
*– Netizen comments on X

Gold Medalist’s Official Statement

Gold Medalist, through LKB & Partners, released a detailed statement refuting Garo Sero’s claims. The agency asserts that the audio recordings are forged, created using AI technology, and part of a scam targeting Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation. They also deny the alleged attack by their attorney and label the “attack photo” as a fabrication. Below is the complete statement:

As the legal representative of Gold Medalist, we will reveal the agency’s position regarding the claims made at the press conference held by the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute.

• 
  2. Position regarding the recordings revealed by Garo Sero
  Garo Sero claimed they had obtained an audio recording of the late actress Kim Sae Ron at the press conference. However, the recordings were forged entirely, and Gold Medalist believes that the audio files were created using AI.
• 
  The informant who delivered the files to Garo Sero is a fraud who approached Gold Medalist, claiming they had a file containing the late actress’s favorable remarks about Kim Soo Hyun. The informant demanded money from Gold Medalist and even sent some recordings containing Kim Sae Ron’s voice. The recording file in question was a manipulated version of her voice, and the agency did not accept any of the requests from the informant.
• 
  The person who delivered the recording file has no connection to the late Kim Sae Ron. When the scam against Gold Medalist didn’t work, they conspired with Garo Sero to release a forged recording file. As mentioned before, Gold Medalist determined that the person delivering the file used AI, and is conducting technical verification of this and will share the results as soon as they become available.
• 
  3. The photo Garo Sero claims to be the “attack photo”
  Garo Sero claimed in the press conference that the person who delivered the files was attacked by Gold Medalist’s attorney Ko Sang Rok and released an ‘attack’ photo. These claims are false and difficult to accept even with common sense. The photo released can be confirmed through an internet search, which proves that Garo Sero and the informant are using a photo from the internet for their claims.
• 
  4. Regarding Gold Medalist’s plans to respond to Garo Sero
  The Garo Sero press conference was yet another fabrication cornered with defamation, stalking, cybersexual crimes, and evidence fabrication against Kim Soo Hyun. Gold Medalist was in shock at Garo Sero’s press conference, which can be seen as evidence that his various claims are false and fabricated.
• 
  Garo Sero is using a new type of crime using AI. It is a serious crime that attempts to destroy Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation based on forged evidence, and it will most definitely receive the corresponding punishment.
• 
  Gold Medalist will sue and file a complaint against Garo Sero for violating the Stalking Punishment Act and the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection. We will do everything in our power to ensure Garo Sero will receive punishment per the law through close cooperation with the investigative authorities.
  – Gold Medalist, via LKB & Partners, May 7, 2025

Background of the Controversy

The controversy began after Kim Sae Ron’s death on February 16, 2025, ruled a suicide by officials. Her family and Garo Sero alleged that Kim Soo Hyun dated her when she was a minor, starting in 2015 when she was 15 and he was 27. They claimed this relationship, along with financial pressures from Gold Medalist, contributed to her struggles. A key point of contention was a March 2024 social media post by Kim Sae Ron, showing a photo of her with Kim Soo Hyun during his drama Queen of Tears. The post was deleted, but it sparked speculation.

Gold Medalist has consistently denied these allegations, stating the relationship occurred only from 2019 to 2020, when Kim Sae Ron was an adult. They filed a 12 billion KRW (approximately $8.9 million USD) lawsuit against Kim Sae Ron’s family, an alleged aunt, and Garo Sero for defamation and privacy violations on March 31, 2025. The agency also accused Garo Sero of blackmail, citing threats to release compromising material unless Kim Soo Hyun’s drama Knock Off was scrapped by Disney+.

Legal Actions and Next Steps

Gold Medalist’s latest statement emphasizes their intent to pursue legal action against Garo Sero for defamation, stalking, and evidence fabrication. They are cooperating with authorities to verify the AI-forged audio and plan to share technical results. The agency previously filed complaints against Garo Sero for violating South Korea’s sexual crimes laws over a leaked photo of Kim Soo Hyun, which they claim was taken during his adult relationship with Kim Sae Ron.

The legal battle remains ongoing, with the Seoul Central District Court handling the 11 billion KRW civil lawsuit, adjusted from the initially reported 12 billion KRW. Kim Soo Hyun faced backlash for reportedly missing a 38 million KRW court fee deadline, though his team clarified it was a procedural issue.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure Garo Sero will receive punishment per the law.”
– Gold Medalist, May 7, 2025

Ongoing Public Sentiment

Public sentiment is polarized. Some netizens question Gold Medalist’s credibility, pointing to the agency’s initial denial of Kim Soo Hyun visiting Kim Sae Ron’s home, later contradicted by their own lawsuit acknowledging the photo’s context. Others defend Kim Soo Hyun, arguing Garo Sero’s tactics are unethical. The controversy has drawn comparisons to past K-entertainment scandals, with netizens referencing cases like Yoochun and Jung Joon Young due to the no-Q&A press conference format.

Also Read: Kim Soo Hyun Faces Backlash Over Shocking Allegations of Relationship With Underage Kim Sae Ron; SEE FULL DETAILS

Kim Sae Ron’s family remains in distress, living in a modest home with her belongings, including paintings reflecting her emotional state. Her mother’s health has deteriorated, canceling planned press conferences. The family’s attorney continues to push for justice, supported by Garo Sero’s ongoing releases.

Source: mk sports

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