Gold Medalist, the agency representing actor Kim Soo Hyun, is reportedly facing the worst financial crisis since its founding, with internal sources now confirming the company’s funds have nearly dried up. The situation appears so dire that the agency recently suspended its contract with an external cleaning service, further fueling speculation that the company is on the verge of collapse.

Industry insiders believe Kim Soo Hyun’s emotional press conference on March 31 was not only a rebuttal to recent controversies but also a desperate measure to salvage his agency from imminent ruin. Observers suggest the actor’s tearful appearance reflected a growing urgency within Gold Medalist, where further delays could mean the company's complete shutdown.

An M&A expert familiar with the situation commented, “Gold Medalist used to maintain a surplus of 2 to 3 billion KRW (approximately $1,360,000 to $2,040,000) in company accounts, but that’s no longer the case. Over 20 of Kim Soo Hyun’s endorsements have been pulled. Although few advertisers have demanded penalties, the partial refunds for prepaid model fees, cancellation of scheduled events, and rising fixed costs have severely depleted the company’s finances.”

Although the company has not officially confirmed it, rumors suggest Gold Medalist actively seeks outside investment. A financial industry source revealed, “The company reportedly needed to secure around 6 billion KRW (approximately $4,080,000) before the press conference. I’ve also heard they’ve halted services from an outsourced cleaning company. If that’s true, restructuring among staff might be next.”

Industry voices speculate that the timing of Kim Soo Hyun’s press conference was not only to refute claims made by actress late Kim Sae Ron’s family and the controversial YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, but also a calculated move to prevent the complete collapse of his agency. During the press conference, Kim broke down in tears repeatedly, saying, “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.”

Kim Soo Hyun has since filed a 12 billion KRW (approximately $12,240,000) damages lawsuit against late Kim Sae Ron’s family, an unnamed aunt, and the operator of Garosero Research Institute. Legal experts note this aggressive legal action reflects a lack of other viable options for resolution. A key issue in the upcoming legal battle will be whether Gold Medalist and Kim Soo Hyun can convincingly establish a direct causal link between their financial losses and the actions of the three defendants.

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