The deceased has left, and those remaining are still in pain. This is a relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron, which has only brought wounds to everyone.
Kim Sae-ron made her acting debut at the age of 9 on Oct. 29, 2009, successfully landing the lead after competing with a ratio of 1000:1 in the movie 'The Traveler.' Through this work, she rose to prominence as a child genius, winning the Best New Actress award at several film festivals, including the Bu-il Film Festival. The following year, she was cast alongside Won Bin as a co-lead in the movie 'The Man from Nowhere,' instantly rising to stardom.
Won Bin subsequently halted his acting activities, but Kim Sae-ron transitioned perfectly into an adult actress, moving between the screen and television. However, alcohol became an issue. In May 2022, she caused a drunk driving accident, shocking the public after hitting a guardrail, utility poles, and trees while driving under the influence in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District, and fleeing the scene.
The next day, Kim Sae-ron posted a handwritten apology, saying, "I committed a grave mistake while under the influence. My poor judgment and actions caused harm to the merchants and citizens nearby, as well as to the numerous people involved in the recovery efforts. I should have acted more carefully and responsibly, but I failed to do so. I sincerely apologize."
The prosecution sought a fine of 20 million won in the first hearing. However, Kim Sae-ron's lawyer stated, "The defendant is living a life as far away from alcohol as possible. All her vehicles have been sold, and she has personally apologized to the victims and fully compensated them. She is supporting her family as the head of the household," pleading for leniency.
Thus, Kim Sae-ron entered a period of self-reflection but faced backlash for her social media activity. In particular, she posted a photo hugging Kim Soo-hyun affectionately in March last year, which she deleted hastily, causing an uproar online. This incident brought her even more criticism, and she bore the brunt of the backlash.
Eventually, Kim Sae-ron was found collapsed at her home on Feb. 16. A friend discovered her and reported it, but she had ended her short life at the age of 25. No signs of foul play or a suicide note were found. Kim Sae-ron tied up the loose ends of her difficult 25-year life.
As a result, the bereaved family was deeply shocked and turned blame toward Kim Soo-hyun. Through the YouTube channel 'Garosero Research Institute (hereafter Gaseyeon),' it was alleged that Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun were in a relationship since her minor years, raising suspicions of 'grooming.' Additionally, Kim Soo-hyun's agency sent a certificate of contents regarding a claim for 700 million won in damages due to Kim Sae-ron's drunk driving incident, exerting pressure, and Kim Soo-hyun was said to have turned a blind eye to this.
In response, the Gold Medalist agency denied the allegations, stating that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron dated from the summer of 2019, when she was an adult, until the fall of 2020. They also rebutted that the certificate of contents was merely left during the legal process of handling the penalty for Kim Sae-ron's drunk driving accident, affirming they did not pressure her for repayment.
However, in response to Kim Soo-hyun's side's rebuttal, the bereaved family has continued to retaliate through 'Gaseyeon.' In this process, the private lives of Kim Soo-hyun and the deceased were exposed to the public. As such, Kim Soo-hyun's side expressed concern on the 15th, saying, "We believe that publicly settling this issue is inappropriate for the mother, who sought any means necessary to restore the deceased's honor, as well as for the deceased themselves."
They added, "We would like our management team to meet with the mother and provide a full explanation. Please feel free to contact the Gold Medalist office at any time." However, even in this statement, 'Gaseyeon' stated, "The additional statement from Kim Soo-hyun further angered the bereaved family, and they sent us a new statement today," and conducted a live expose.
In this video, the bereaved family emphasized, "First, we want Kim Soo-hyun to acknowledge that he dated Kim Sae-ron from her minor years and to offer an official apology. Second, we demand an official apology regarding the false media play that Gold Medalist claimed they did not date at all over the past three years, and just three days ago claimed they did not date."
Additionally, they said, "Third, we ask for acknowledgment regarding the contributions Kim Sae-ron made as a founding member of the company and an apology for that. Fourth, we want an official apology for the certificate of contents and the debt collection demand about the 700 million won." They emphasized, "Our bereaved family desires nothing but an official apology from Kim Soo-hyun and the agency."
The bereaved family stated they want only an official apology from Kim Soo-hyun and Gold Medalist, but parts of the private lives of Kim Soo-hyun and the deceased have already been fully exposed. The family may have suffered the most significant wounds from the farewell with Kim Sae-ron, but the continuous exposés have only brought pain to those remaining, including Kim Soo-hyun. The situation is only deepening the sorrow for everyone.
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
[OSEN]