The bereaved family of late actor Kim Sae-ron is once again demanding a public apology from Kim Soo-hyun, the agency, and YouTuber A, emphasizing that "the bereaved family expects nothing but an official apology."
The family of Kim Sae-ron presented a statement on behalf of the bereaved family through Gaseyeon (Garo-Sero Research Institute) on the 15th. Earlier, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Golden Medalist, announced an urgent official statement over two days, the 14th and 15th.
In this regard, the bereaved family demands: 1. An official apology regarding the claim that Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron since her minor years (claiming that they dated for over six years since the deceased Kim Sae-ron was 15 years old); 2. An official apology for the media play asserting that Golden Medalist has not dated her for the past three years and stating just three days ago that they had never dated; 3. An acknowledgment and apology concerning Kim Sae-ron's contributions as a founding member of the company; and 4. An acknowledgment and apology regarding the demand for payment of 700 million won related to a certificate of contents.
The bereaved family also mentioned about Kim Soo-hyun that it was "to warn about the cyber wrecker" and stated, "The bereaved family expects nothing but an official apology from Kim Soo-hyun and the agency. In order to prove the false information of the cyber wrecker, there was no choice but to inevitably reveal a photo of Kim Soo-hyun, as the situation required that we had to convey that Sae-ron had indeed dated Kim Soo-hyun."
Meanwhile, Gaseyeon caused a stir by revealing a photo alleged to show a man presumed to be Kim Soo-hyun washing dishes in the back while exposing his lower body at Kim Sae-ron's home. The 'Gaseyeon' side added that he was "not wearing pants." In relation to this, the bereaved family explained, "We had no choice but to publicly disclose the photo to prove the false information about YouTuber A," but this raised concerns regarding privacy revelation issues and sparked controversy.
Even if the photo disclosed was obtained with the consent of the bereaved family, there is a viewpoint that its publication, taken during the time Kim Sae-ron was dating as an adult, is an unlawful breach of privacy. The side of Kim Soo-hyun, which previously denied the dating rumor last year, acknowledged the relationship with Kim Sae-ron in an official statement released on the 14th, limiting the dating period to "from summer 2019 to fall 2020." This period is after Kim Sae-ron became an adult.
On the other hand, there are reactions suggesting that this is a situation caused by Kim Soo-hyun himself and that the side of Kim Sae-ron should be seen as hinting at further evidence.
On the 15th, the agency of Kim Soo-hyun expressed concern in a statement, stating, "I believe it is inappropriate to try to settle the matter publicly, as the mother and the deceased both sought any way to restore the deceased's honor," and stated that they would wait for contact from the bereaved family. Amid the sharply opposing stances of both sides, the advertising industry has seen several brands that had contracts with Kim Soo-hyun already distance themselves due to the controversy.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]