Actor Kim Soo-hyun's side expressed a desire to "meet the deceased's mother directly to clarify" regarding the allegations that he was in a relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron since she was a minor. In response, the family of the deceased stated, "We acknowledge that Kim Sae-ron was in a relationship since she was a minor and we expect an official apology."
Gold Medalist, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, stated in a position paper released on the 15th, "There seem to be parts of the claims made by the (deceased's) mother that differ from our thoughts," and added, "We would like to meet with her for sufficient explanation."
The YouTube channel "Garo-seoro Research Institute" (Gaseyeon) claimed on the 10th, citing a call with Kim Sae-ron's family, that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship for six years with Kim Sae-ron, who was 15 years old in 2015. They also released photos of Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron on the cheek and the photo of Kim Sae-ron contacting Kim Soo-hyun via text message after receiving a notice. On the 14th, they also publicly disclosed additional photos of Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun together.
Earlier, Kim Sae-ron's mother revealed through Gaseyeon, "Our goal is to restore the honor of a child who was ruined in an instant by numerous false articles."
Gold Medalist clarified that the photo released by Gaseyeon on the 14th was "taken on December 14, 2019." Kim Soo-hyun's side initially denied the relationship with Kim Sae-ron but clarified, after a photo was released of him kissing her on the cheek, that "it's not true that they dated while she was a minor." Gaseyeon has also claimed that the additional photos released recently were taken after Kim Sae-ron became an adult.
Gold Medalist remarked, "We confirmed the statements made by Kim Sae-ron's mother that were revealed through Gaseyeon," and added, "We believe any words of comfort to the mother, who is experiencing pain that cannot be expressed in words after losing Kim Sae-ron, would be insufficient." They also stated, "We feel deep sorrow for the pain that the deceased had to endure and express our condolences."
Regarding the statement previously released by Kim Sae-ron's mother, they noted, "We deeply empathize with the parts where you pointed out various reporting behaviors regarding the deceased," yet remarked, "Kim Soo-hyun is also suffering damage due to Gaseyeon's reports." They added, "There is no reason for photos depicting the private lives of Kim Soo-hyun and the deceased to be indiscriminately disclosed," and requested, "We hope that the act of disseminating personal privacy will cease."
They further stated, "(Kim Sae-ron's mother) may not yet know some contents," and conveyed, "I think publicly airing these matters is inappropriate for both the mother, who was trying to find any means to restore the deceased's honor, and the deceased. Please contact us at our office anytime."
The family of Kim Sae-ron conveyed their position through Gaseyeon the previous afternoon regarding this matter. They stated, "We expect an official apology from Gold Medalist for the media play claiming that 'we haven't been in a relationship' over the past three years, including just three days ago when they stated they had not been in a relationship," adding, "We acknowledge the contributions made by Kim Sae-ron as a founding member of the company and the notice regarding the 700 million won and call for repayment, and we expect an official apology." They concluded by stating, "We desire nothing but an official apology from Kim Soo-hyun and the agency."