March 21, 2025 – The situation surrounding the death of actress Kim Sae Ron has taken a new turn as evidence continues to emerge suggesting that Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, was not responsible for the alleged debt pressure that was initially linked to Kim Sae Ron's tragic passing. Shortly after a private photo of Kim Soo Hyun washing dishes was leaked, Gold Medalist promptly decided to cancel a planned condolence payment to Kim Sae Ron’s family, reportedly due to concerns over potential backlash.
Following Kim Sae Ron’s untimely death, accusations from Kim Sae Ron’s family and the controversial YouTube channel Garoseoro Research Institute pointed to Kim Soo Hyun and his agency as being partially responsible. However, as more details have surfaced, this narrative appears to be losing traction. Online communities have begun to shift their tone toward Kim Soo Hyun, with comments such as "He must have felt so wronged all this time" and "This is why staying neutral is important" gaining traction.
Kim Soo Hyun is reportedly staying at his residence in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, spending time with his family. While it is unclear whether he is experiencing emotional distress, reports suggest that his family is actively shielding him from related news and online discussions.
A staff member from MBC’s drama 'Good Day,' in which Kim Soo Hyun is currently appearing, stated, "Soo Hyun has been under extreme stress following the accusations from Garoseoro Research Institute. He was likely forced to confront the painful memories of his former relationship with Kim Sae Ron, which must have stirred up a complicated mix of grief, resentment, isolation, and frustration."
Despite his emotional turmoil, insiders suggest that Kim Soo Hyun has refrained from publicly expressing his distress out of respect for Kim Sae Ron and her grieving family. Early in the controversy, Kim Soo Hyun reportedly provided Gold Medalist with information and materials he deemed necessary for handling the situation but has otherwise stayed out of the agency’s response efforts.
Gold Medalist has been carefully crafting its response strategy, balancing the views of its internal hardliners and moderates. Initially, the moderates pushed for resolving the matter through dialogue with Kim Sae Ron’s family. The agency even contacted Kim Sae Ron’s father to open communication channels. However, after Garoseoro Research Institute publicized this outreach, further communication was effectively blocked. Despite leaving text messages such as "We are still willing to meet," Gold Medalist received no response from late Kim Sae Ron’s family.
The situation escalated dramatically when Garoseoro Research Institute released a photo of Kim Soo Hyun washing dishes at a residence identified as a unit at Seoul Forest The Sharp, which Kim Soo Hyun’s agency had reportedly provided to Kim Sae Ron. The residence is located about a 25-minute walk from Kim Soo Hyun’s home.
A source revealed, "Gold Medalist had been exploring ways to settle the matter amicably with Kim Sae Ron’s family, including discussing a possible condolence payment that would account for gift tax implications. However, after the dishwashing photo was leaked, this plan was immediately scrapped."
Offering financial compensation is a delicate matter, as any refusal could be misinterpreted as an attempt to silence the other party. Therefore, the agency determined that pursuing this route could backfire and expose them to further criticism.
The leak of the dishwashing photo prompted a shift in Gold Medalist’s internal stance. The hardliners, arguing that the leak constituted an attack on Kim Soo Hyun’s personal dignity, gained the upper hand. On March 20, Gold Medalist filed a criminal complaint with the police, accusing Garoseoro Research Institute, late Kim Sae Ron’s family, and an unidentified individual referred to as "an aunt" of violating the Special Act on Sexual Violence.
As the situation continues to unfold, the public’s perception of Kim Soo Hyun’s role in the controversy appears to be evolving. Gold Medalist’s decision to take legal action signals that the agency is prepared to adopt a more aggressive approach moving forward.
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