On March 18, Gold Medalist released a full statement addressing the controversy involving Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron. The statement refuted the claims made by HOVERLAB (Garo Sero Research Institute) and the bereaved family's claims.

In particular, Gold Medalist asserted that the woman who appeared on HOVERLAB to expose the alleged relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron was not actually the late actress’s aunt.

Gold Medalist argued:

"Additionally, the bereaved family has made numerous false claims about Gold Medalist and Kim Soo Hyun. For example, they alleged that our company did not attend the late Kim Sae Ron’s funeral. However, we visited the funeral home on February 17 and 19, 2025, met with the family, and offered a condolence wreath and monetary tribute."

Garo Sero Research Institute (HOVERLAB) referred to the informant who leaked Kim Soo Hyun’s private life as 'Kim Sae Ron’s aunt.' However, media reports have since revealed that this informant is not actually her aunt. During today’s press conference, the bereaved family stated, 'The late Kim Sae Ron’s mother does not have a married sister. More than anyone, the ‘aunt’ who recently gave an interview was like a second mother to Sae Ron.' They also described her as being 'closer than a biological aunt.'

In common understanding, referring to someone as an 'aunt' in the media typically implies a direct maternal sibling. The public’s trust in the informant’s claims may differ depending on whether she is an actual relative or simply a close acquaintance. However, during the press conference, the bereaved family ambiguously described the informant’s relationship, leaving it unclear whether she is a real relative or just someone close to the family. Furthermore, several industry insiders have informed us that this informant is actually the mother of a certain actress.

The most critical aspect of any testimony is its factual accuracy, not the identity of the informant. Our company fully acknowledges this. However, we are addressing the issue of the informant’s identity because the bereaved family stated during the press conference that 'targeting a family member is a grave mistake' while simultaneously leaking Kim Soo Hyun’s private photos without consent."

Despite Gold Medalist’s attempts to discredit the alleged aunt’s claims and intimidate her by leaking personal information, Korean netizens are praising her for standing up for Kim Sae Ron. Many are commending the aunt for doing the right thing and defending the late actress despite the risks of her identity being exposed.

Translation: "Thoughts upon realizing that the aunt is the mother of a certain actress: I don't know who that actress is, but she grew up with a good mother."

Translation: "I think it's more amazing that she stepped up even though she's the mother of an actress. She could've stayed quiet afraid that any backlash could affect her own child."

Other netizens commented:

"It's not easy to step up for someone else when everyone else turns their back."

"Kim Sae Ron's family must feel so grateful to that actress's mother who stepped up for Kim Sae Ron."

"Whoever that actress is, she does have a good mother."

"I think it's amazing how that aunt stepped up for Kim Sae Ron even if she wasn't her blood niece."

"I have someone I call aunt too who is not my actual aunt."

"I think Gold Medalist is trash for trying to threaten the aunt like this."

"I don't know who this 'aunt' is but she's very loyal and has so much courage."

"I can't believe there is someone like the aunt who is willing to step up for someone not her own."

"I think it's more amazing she's doing all this for someone who is not actually family."

"She has more risk if her personal information gets exposed. But she still did it. Which is amazing."

"She a good person. I wonder who the actress is."

"I think the actress's image would be even better if the mother's identity gets revealed."

"She's a true adult."

"Kim Sae Ron had one adult by her side who is good."

"I get why the 'aunt' is more angry. It's because her daughter works in the same industry. So it's natural she would get more furious over this."

"She definitely must've taught her daughter to be good."

SEE ALSO: Kim Sae Ron's bereaved family releases an AI-generated memorial video of the late actress