(Seoul=News1) Reporter Jung Yoo-jin: The bereaved family of the late actor Kim Sae-ron has issued an additional statement.
The family released a lengthy statement on the afternoon of the 16th through the YouTube channel “Garo Sero Research Institute” (hereafter referred to as Gaseyeon), addressing the two official statements from Gold Medalist. They implored Gold Medalist to stop justifying their actions by frivolously mentioning embezzlement charges, stating that no one from the company had ever told Sae-ron not to be alarmed by official company documentation due to embezzlement.
The bereaved family further explained that after receiving the documentation, Sae-ron reached out to company contacts repeatedly but received no response or explanation, making efforts to ascertain whether it was done at Kim Soo-hyun’s behest or the company’s initiative.
They also mentioned that many film and drama industry personnel attended Sae-ron’s funeral, contrasting with Gold Medalist’s absence despite being the company that Sae-ron debuted with as their first actor. They offered to introduce reporters to those who attended the funeral to interview them about their experiences.
The family criticized a YouTuber, identified as A, who described photos posted by Sae-ron as “self-written love photos,” emphasizing that regardless of media influence, Sae-ron continued to work hard to live her life.
Meanwhile, the family claims through Gaseyeon that Sae-ron, at age 15 in 2016, had a romantic relationship with Kim Soo-hyun for six years. They provided a handwritten letter allegedly sent by Kim Soo-hyun during his military service and a photo of him kissing Sae-ron on the cheek as evidence. They also alleged that Kim Sae-ron was pressured to repay a 700 million won penalty to Gold Medalist.
Gold Medalist clarified in a statement on the 14th that Kim Soo-hyun began dating Sae-ron when she became an adult, from summer 2019 to fall 2020, and refuted claims of neglecting Sae-ron’s financial difficulties by stating they had settled her substantial debts.
In response, Sae-ron’s mother, via Gaseyeon, criticized Gold Medalist for trying to portray Sae-ron as a wayward girl with deceitful intentions, emphasizing that her daughter was not involved in mere partying, nor did she instigate rumors with manipulated photos.
On the 15th, Gold Medalist expressed that seeking public judgment is inappropriate for restoring the late Sae-ron’s honor and expressed a desire to discuss matters directly with Sae-ron’s family.
Later, Gaseyeon streamed a live broadcast transmitting the bereaved family’s stance, demanding an acknowledgment of the relationship between Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun from a young age and an apology. They also requested Gold Medalist to admit to previously stating there was no romantic involvement and to apologize for the 700 million won demand.