As controversies surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun related to an alleged assault and claims of underage relationships continue, there are now assertions that no official report regarding the incident was filed, leading to expected repercussions.
According to a report by a media outlet on 19th, the U.S. Consulate General in New York stated, "There are no records of our citizens being arrested for crimes like attempted murder against overseas nationals in our jurisdiction," adding, "We have not received any notifications related to the incident from local law enforcement."
Previously, the YouTube channel "Garosero Research Institute" claimed during a press conference that "A person referred to as A, who mentioned the late Kim Sae-ron's underage relationships, was attacked by an assailant in New Jersey on the 1st," stating, "After being stabbed nine times in the neck, A was transported to the hospital, and the assailant was arrested." However, A later changed the statement in a video to say, "I injured my arm," and the medical report indicated wounds on the "right shoulder" and "left hand," raising significant questions about the credibility of the claims.
In response, Kim Soo-hyun's side stated, "The recording of A is clearly manipulated by AI, and the photos of the alleged assault have been confirmed to be images available on the internet," asserting that "Gaseyeon and the informant are concocting a nonexistent incident to defame Kim Soo-hyun."
The fallout from the controversy has also spread to the overseas advertising industry. Taiwanese media "Sanli News" reported that as Kim Soo-hyun's image suffered due to allegations related to the late Kim Sae-ron, several local advertising contracts were canceled, and three advertisers are preparing a lawsuit for damages amounting to approximately 1.27 billion Taiwan dollars (about 5.8 billion won).
Among these, it is reported that Taiwan's 7-Eleven incurred a loss of about 4.6 billion won due to the complete cancellation of events, including a solo fan meeting. Kim Soo-hyun was invited to the Kaohsiung Cherry Blossom Festival in Taiwan last March but announced he would not attend just five days before the event, and products of the brand he collaborated with were also halted from release.
The situation is no less daunting domestically. Companies A and B, which had contracts with Kim Soo-hyun, have recently filed lawsuits against his agency, Gold Medalist, for the return of modeling fees and damages amounting to around 3 billion won, and other corporations are reportedly considering additional lawsuits.
Meanwhile, the family of the late Kim Sae-ron claims that Kim Soo-hyun had relationships with the deceased since her underage years and forced her to repay debts while she was alive. In response, Kim Soo-hyun's side has filed a lawsuit for damages of around 12 billion won against the family and Gaseyeon, stating it is "completely false information."
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]