Actor Kim Soo Hyun has taken a significant legal step, filing a lawsuit for multi-billion won in damages against several individuals, including members of the late actress Kim Sae Ron’s family. The case has drawn widespread attention from both the media and the public, sparking intense online debates.
On April 2, the Seoul Central District Court assigned Kim Soo Hyun’s lawsuit to the 14th Civil Agreement Division. The lawsuit names several defendants, including Kim Sae Ron’s family, Kim Se Ui (the operator of the controversial YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute), and a woman who claims to be Kim Sae Ron’s aunt.
While Kim Soo Hyun publicly announced on March 31 that he would be seeking 12 billion KRW in damages, official court filings show the registered claim amount is 11 billion KRW. Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representation is led by Attorney Kim Jong Bok of LKB & Partners, who explained in a statement that the defamation complaint was filed under the Information and Communications Network Act against the bereaved family, the self-proclaimed aunt, and the YouTube channel operator. The compensation claim for damages amounts to 12 billion KRW.
This lawsuit is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile legal cases in the South Korean entertainment industry in recent years, involving both a well-known actor and a popular YouTube channel known for its controversial exposés on celebrities.
The controversy erupted on March 10 when Kim Sae Ron’s family appeared on the Garosero Research Institute channel, claiming to have private messages and photos that allegedly prove a romantic relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron from 2015 to 2021. If true, this would mean that their relationship began while Kim Sae Ron was still a minor, intensifying the controversy. The claims quickly spread online, sparking heated debates, with some supporting the family’s assertions, while others questioned the authenticity of the evidence.
In response to these accusations, Kim Soo Hyun held a press conference on March 31, where he firmly denied the allegations and stated that he was being unfairly targeted. He also referred to himself as a “star,” which generated additional online debate, with some critics accusing him of being arrogant. His decision to pursue legal action against Kim Sae Ron’s family and Garosero Research Institute has now escalated the matter from an online scandal to a full-scale legal battle.
The lawsuit has further ignited public debate, with many netizens criticizing Kim Soo Hyun for taking legal action against the family of a recently deceased young actress. Some argue that, regardless of the veracity of the claims, suing a grieving family is an insensitive and unethical move.
