Actress Lee El has spoken out against the criticism directed at the late Kim Sae Ron.

On March 17th KST, Lee El wrote on her social media, “A 9-year-old is just a child pushed into the industry by their parents, and a 15-year-old is suddenly treated as if they know everything and are labeled a gold digger?” expressing her frustration.

While Lee El did not specify the context, her remarks are believed to be in response to the negative public sentiment toward Kim Sae Ron following recent allegations.

Previously, Kim Sae Ron’s family claimed that she had been in a relationship with actor Kim Soo Hyun since she was a minor, raising concerns of grooming.

Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, however, has strongly denied the allegations, stating that they are “completely untrue.”

Meanwhile, Kim Sae Ron was found deceased at her residence in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16th at the age of 25.

On March 17th, the family’s legal representative, Bu Ji Seok from Buyu Law Firm, filed a defamation lawsuit at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against a YouTuber, who is a former entertainment journalist, for spreading false information.

The family’s legal team stated, “Initially, we hoped Kim Soo Hyun would acknowledge their relationship to refute the false claims made by the YouTuber. However, his repeated denials only deepened the family’s pain. We now hope for a sincere apology.”

They further alleged, “After Kim Soo Hyun’s agency sent the first legal notice, Kim Sae Ron texted him, pleading for help. Instead of responding personally, he ignored her and had his agency send a second legal notice.”

SEE ALSO: Kim Bo Ra writes heartfelt letter to late friend Kim Sae Ron