Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, GOLDMEDALIST, has taken a bold step to tackle harmful online content targeting the actor, sparking widespread surprise and debate among netizens. The agency’s latest statement, released on April 15, 2025, addresses malicious posts and false claims, but the move has left many questioning its impact and timing.
The announcement comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding Kim Soo Hyun, particularly tied to his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron, who passed away on February 16, 2025. Here’s a detailed look at the situation, covering every angle of this developing story.
GOLDMEDALIST’s Official Statement on Legal Action
On April 15, 2025, GOLDMEDALIST issued a formal statement addressing the wave of negative content directed at Kim Soo Hyun across online platforms. The agency expressed concern over the spread of harmful material affecting the actor’s reputation.
“Hello, this is GOLDMEDALIST. Recently, malicious posts, comments, and false facts about our artist Kim Soo Hyun have been spread indiscriminately online. In particular, groundless and speculative posts and unconfirmed claims have been repeatedly posted, giving the public a false impression and damaging the artist’s reputation.”
The statement highlighted specific issues, including slander and personal attacks.
“Malicious slander, false information, personal attacks, and sexual harassment are rampant on online community boards and social media and should not be taken lightly. We filed a complaint to the authorities on April 14 for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act based on fan reports and our own monitoring.”
GOLDMEDALIST also emphasized plans to extend legal efforts globally.
“The ‘cyber wrecker,’ who uses anonymity to create fake news and produce videos, is also a serious issue. As the ‘cyber wrecker’s’ identité has been revealed and legal action is being taken, we will also take strong action on overseas platforms such as YouTube and X with our overseas legal representatives. We will continue to file additional lawsuits against malicious posts that defame our artist’s image and do our best to protect the artist’s rights with strong legal action. Thank you.”
The agency’s proactive stance aims to shield Kim Soo Hyun from further harm, but the response from the public has been far from unified.
Netizens’ Mixed Reactions to the Announcement
The statement quickly gained attention online, but many netizens expressed confusion and skepticism. Comments on platforms like theqoo revealed a range of sentiments, with some questioning the agency’s approach.
“They really are something.”
“This is the second time seeing a statement about legal action not getting any support.”
“I will remember your birthday forever.”
“Does he have a reputation to damage, though?”
“Amazing…”
“Your birthday is the day of her death.”
“And to think they were the ones giving out numbers to the cyber wreckers.”
“Is it considered a malicious comment for calling a piece of trash, trash?”
Others pointed to unresolved issues tied to the controversy.
“Lee Jin Ho is still making rumors about the deceased…why don’t you do something about that..he’s still talking sh*t.”
“Are they going to sue Lee Jin Ho, too?”
“Who? Isn’t he a retired actor? Things haven’t settled down because it’s over, it’s because the public has already made up their mind about him.”
“I wish there was less factual distortion.”
“So shameless, just like him.”
“He should be the one being sued…this is the first time I’ve laughed after seeing a celebrity’s lawsuit.”
“He really is something…”
These reactions suggest that many netizens feel the agency’s legal actions may not address the core issues fueling public discontent. Some referenced Kim Sae Ron’s death, which coincided with Kim Soo Hyun’s birthday, adding emotional weight to their comments.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy stems from allegations about Kim Soo Hyun’s past relationship with Kim Sae Ron, who was found dead at her home on February 16, 2025, at age 24. Her death, ruled a suicide, followed a challenging period after a 2022 DUI incident that led to fines and public backlash.
On March 10, 2025, the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute (also known as HoverLab), citing Kim Sae Ron’s family, claimed the two had a six-year relationship starting in 2015, when she was 15 and he was 27. The allegations sparked intense scrutiny, as they suggested an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
GOLDMEDALIST responded on March 14, 2025, denying the claims.
“Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron were in a relationship from the summer of 2019, after Kim Sae Ron became a legal adult, until the fall of 2020. It is not true that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor.”
The agency provided evidence, noting that photos shared by Kim Sae Ron on March 24, 2024, and later by HoverLab, were from 2019 or 2020, not 2015. They pointed to clothing brands and metadata to support their timeline.
However, Kim Sae Ron’s family stood firm, announcing legal action against Kim Soo Hyun for defamation over his denials. On March 17, 2025, their attorney, Bu Ji-seok, revealed two legal notices sent by GOLDMEDALIST to Kim Sae Ron in 2024, demanding repayment of a 686.4 million KRW (approximately $473,000) debt from a 2022 loan. The family claimed these notices added pressure on Kim Sae Ron.
GOLDMEDALIST clarified that the debt was a company matter, not personal to Kim Soo Hyun, and the second notice softened the tone, offering to negotiate repayment. They denied pressuring her and noted her contract with the agency ended in November 2022.
Legal Battles Escalate
The situation intensified with further legal actions. On March 20, 2025, GOLDMEDALIST filed criminal complaints against Kim Sae Ron’s family and Garo Sero’s operator, Kim Sae Eui, over a photo posted online showing Kim Soo Hyun in a compromising state, allegedly taken at Kim Sae Ron’s home. The agency called it sexual harassment.
“The photo of actor Kim Soo Hyun posted on Garo Sero’s channel was taken during a period when Kim Soo Hyun and an adult Kim Sae Ron were in a relationship. The photo contains an image of Kim Soo Hyun’s body that could cause him sexual humiliation, and it is a photo that should neither be made public nor has any reason to be disclosed. Posting such a photo on a YouTube channel is clearly a criminal act.”
The agency also sued an Indian blogger, ckdramaboy, in March 2025 for posting unauthorized images, escalating the conflict to international platforms. Meanwhile, Kim Sae Ron’s family pursued action against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho for defamation, blaming him for contributing to her distress.
Impact on Kim Soo Hyun’s Career
The controversy has taken a toll on Kim Soo Hyun’s public image. Several brands, including Prada, ended their partnerships with him in March 2025. His participation in events, like the Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival, faced uncertainty, with potential penalties of 1.32 billion KRW (approximately $911,000) if canceled.
Despite the backlash, some fans remain supportive, as seen in posts on X defending Kim Soo Hyun.
“Haters and cyberbullies it’s your time to shine. Gold Medalist is suing malicious post commenters spreading fake news and harassment towards Kim Soo Hyun #WeStandwithKimSooHyun.” “POWER IN HIS SILENCE #RiseWithSoohyun #WeStandwithKimSooHyun #KimSooHyunIsInnocent #StayStrongSoohyun.”
However, the broader public response, especially on platforms like theqoo, leans critical, with many netizens feeling the agency’s legal focus misses the mark.
What Lies Ahead
The legal battles show no signs of slowing down. GOLDMEDALIST’s commitment to pursue cases domestically and internationally signals a long fight to restore Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation. Yet, netizens’ reactions suggest rebuilding public trust may be a bigger challenge.
The controversy has also sparked broader discussions about privacy, celebrity accountability, and the role of online platforms in shaping narratives. For now, Kim Soo Hyun remains under scrutiny, with his agency determined to counter what they see as unfair attacks.
