Kim Soo Hyun’s Agency Gold Medalist Reportedly Faces Financial Collapse, Ends Cleaning Service Amid Crisis

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, are in the spotlight as reports claim the company is grappling with a severe financial crisis. The agency, which has managed the star since 2019, is said to be on the brink of collapse, with even basic services like cleaning being cut. Here’s everything you need to know about this unfolding story, based on verified details from multiple sources.

The news broke on April 1, 2025, and it’s shaken fans and industry watchers alike. Gold Medalist, once a stable player in the entertainment world, is now facing tough times. Reports say the company’s cash reserves are nearly gone, forcing drastic measures like terminating its contract with an outside cleaning service. This small but telling move has sparked widespread talk about just how bad things have gotten.

What’s Behind Gold Medalist’s Money Troubles?

Gold Medalist’s financial woes didn’t come out of nowhere. The agency, founded in 2019 by Lee Sarang (Kim Soo Hyun’s cousin) and Kim Mi-hye, used to keep a healthy surplus of 2 to 3 billion KRW (about $1.36 million to $2.04 million) in its accounts. That cushion is gone now, and several factors are to blame.

The biggest hit came from Kim Soo Hyun losing over 20 endorsement deals. Brands started pulling away after controversies tied to his alleged past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron. While most advertisers didn’t demand penalties, they did ask for partial refunds on prepaid fees. Add in canceled events and the agency’s ongoing fixed costs—like rent, staff salaries, and utilities—and the money started disappearing fast.

A financial expert close to the situation said the company needed around 6 billion KRW (roughly $4.08 million) just to stay afloat before Kim’s emotional press conference on March 31, 2025. Without that cash injection, Gold Medalist had to make tough calls, like cutting the cleaning service. Rumors are swirling that staff layoffs or a major restructuring could be next if things don’t turn around.

Kim Soo Hyun’s Tearful Press Conference: A Last Stand?

On March 31, 2025, Kim Soo Hyun held a press conference that grabbed headlines. He broke down in tears multiple times, addressing rumors and defending himself against claims linked to Kim Sae Ron. Industry insiders see this as more than just a personal statement—it was a desperate bid to save Gold Medalist.

Kim Soo Hyun spoke openly about the toll the situation was taking.

“I cannot admit to something I didn’t do. I can no longer stand by while my family and company staff suffer because of me,” he said, his voice shaking.

Observers say the timing wasn’t random. The controversies—fueled by Kim Sae Ron’s family and the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute—had already cost the agency dearly. Kim’s emotional plea was meant to clear his name and stop the bleeding at Gold Medalist. If he couldn’t regain public trust, the company might not survive.

The Lawsuit: A 12 Billion KRW Fight

Kim Soo Hyun isn’t just talking—he’s taking action. He’s filed a massive 12 billion KRW (about $12.24 million) lawsuit against Kim Sae Ron’s family, an unnamed aunt, and the operator of Garosero Research Institute. The legal move is bold, and experts say it shows how few options he has left.

The lawsuit claims the defendants’ actions directly caused Gold Medalist’s financial losses. But proving that in court won’t be easy. Lawyers say Kim and his agency need hard evidence linking the rumors to the lost endorsements and drained funds. If they win, it could give Gold Medalist a lifeline. If they lose, it might be the final blow.

How Did It Get This Bad?

The trouble traces back to allegations about Kim’s past with Kim Sae Ron, who passed away on February 16, 2025. Her family and Garosero Research Institute claimed Kim Soo Hyun dated her when she was a minor, starting in 2015. Gold Medalist has denied this, saying the relationship began in 2019, when she was an adult, and ended in 2020.

Things got worse when reports surfaced that Gold Medalist demanded 700 million KRW (about $482,000) from Kim Sae Ron to cover damages from her 2022 DUI scandal. She’d left the agency by then, but the debt dispute added fuel to the fire. Her family says the pressure contributed to her death, while Gold Medalist insists it was just business and Kim Soo Hyun wasn’t personally involved.

The back-and-forth has trashed Kim Soo Hyun’s image. Brands like Prada and Shinhan Financial Group dropped him, and his upcoming drama Knock-Off got delayed. With no new income and mounting legal bills, Gold Medalist’s bank account took a nosedive.

What’s Next for Gold Medalist and Kim Soo Hyun?

Right now, Gold Medalist is scrambling for solutions. Sources say they’re hunting for outside investors to pump in cash. The cleaning service cut is a sign they’re pinching every penny to stay alive. If they can’t secure funding—or if the lawsuit fails—the agency could shut down entirely.

For Kim Soo Hyun, it’s a make-or-break moment. His career’s taken a hit, but he’s fighting to clear his name and save the company he helped build. Fans are torn—some stand by him, while others question his choices. The next few months will show if he can pull Gold Medalist back from the edge.

Also Read: Did Disney Plus Just Put Kim Soo Hyun’s Knock-Off on Ice After His Big Press Conference?

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Source:  m.news.nate.com

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