South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, have intensified their legal actions against YouTube channel HoverLab and the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron. The agency accuses them of spreading false and damaging claims. On May 9, 2025, Gold Medalist, through its legal team at LKB & Partners, filed additional criminal complaints. These target Kim Se Eui, HoverLab’s operator, and Kim Sae Ron’s family members. The charges involve defamation and stalking, stemming from allegations that have rocked the entertainment industry.
Gold Medalist announced the lawsuits in response to a May 7, 2025, press conference held by Kim Se Eui and Bu Ji Seok, the legal representative of Kim Sae Ron’s family. The press conference made serious claims against Kim Soo Hyun. They alleged he dated Kim Sae Ron during her middle school years and engaged in inappropriate behavior. They also claimed an audio recording exists to support these accusations. Gold Medalist called these claims “completely fabricated lies.”
“The allegations are incomprehensible even by common sense. They are sensationalist fabrications,” Gold Medalist stated in their official release.
The press conference also raised suspicions of a murder conspiracy. Kim Se Eui claimed Kim Soo Hyun’s side offered 4 billion KRW (about $2.9 million) to buy the alleged recording. When refused, he said two hitmen were hired to kill the informant. He further alleged the FBI is investigating the case in the United States. Gold Medalist dismissed these as baseless and damaging falsehoods. They emphasized that no such events occurred.
Another point of contention is a 90-minute audio file presented by Kim Se Eui and Bu Ji Seok. They claimed it was a conversation between Kim Sae Ron and a whistleblower, recorded a month before her death in February 2025. Gold Medalist insists the recording is fake. They believe it was created using AI or similar technology. The agency is conducting a technical analysis to prove this and plans to share results soon.
“The audio file is entirely fabricated. The individual who provided it is a fraudster,” Gold Medalist’s legal team stated.
The lawsuits also address claims that LKB & Partners harassed the whistleblower and associates. Kim Se Eui alleged the law firm, along with reporters and other YouTubers, pressured the informant. Gold Medalist refuted this, calling it a groundless attack on their reputation. They stressed that these accusations are serious criminal acts.
This legal battle follows earlier disputes. In March 2025, Gold Medalist filed complaints against HoverLab and Kim Sae Ron’s family for sharing a private photo of Kim Soo Hyun. The image, which showed him without pants, was deemed sexually embarrassing. The agency argued it violated South Korea’s Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. They also denied claims that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor. They confirmed a relationship from summer 2019 to fall 2020, after she was an adult.
Kim Sae Ron’s family has also taken legal action. They filed a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho on March 17, 2025. They accused him of spreading false information about Kim Sae Ron, contributing to her mental distress before her death. They also demanded a public apology from Kim Soo Hyun. The family claimed he ignored her pleas for help with a 700 million KRW debt from her 2022 drunk driving incident. Gold Medalist denied these allegations, stating they wrote off her debt in December 2023.
Public reactions on social media reflect divided opinions. Some netizens support Kim Soo Hyun, calling HoverLab’s claims manipulative. Others believe Kim Sae Ron’s family, citing forensic evidence of text messages.
“Without valid proof, Kim Sae Ron’s family and Kim Se Eui are just creating a narrative,” one user posted on X. “Kim Soo Hyun is denying everything, but the family had forensics verifying messages,” another user wrote.
The Seoul police are investigating the defamation cases. On March 24, 2025, they confirmed probes into complaints from both sides. The case against HoverLab was filed at Gangnam Police Station, while Lee Jin Ho’s case is at Seodaemun Police Station. The investigations include questioning complainants.
Gold Medalist remains firm in protecting Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation. They have vowed to pursue all legal measures to counter what they call “outrageous falsehoods.” The agency expressed regret over the ongoing controversy, especially given Kim Sae Ron’s passing. They initially hesitated to sue her family out of respect but felt compelled to act due to persistent false claims.
Kim Soo Hyun, known for dramas like Queen of Tears and My Love from the Star, faces significant scrutiny. The controversy has impacted his career, with Disney+ pausing the release of his series Knock-Off in March 2025. Reports also suggest Prada terminated its contract with him. Despite this, Kim Soo Hyun denies all allegations of wrongdoing.
The legal proceedings continue to unfold. Gold Medalist’s latest lawsuits add to a complex dispute involving serious accusations. Both sides remain steadfast in their positions. The outcome of the police investigations and technical analysis of the audio file will likely shape the next steps. For now, the entertainment industry watches closely as this high-profile case develops.
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