Kim Soo-hyun Sues Family of Late Kim Sae-ron Over Defamation, Claims Broadcast Interference
Seoul, South Korea – March 31, 2025 – In a dramatic turn of events, actor Kim Soo-hyun has launched a civil and criminal lawsuit against the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron and the operator of the ‘Garo Sero Research Institute’ YouTube channel, alleging defamation. This follows accusations from the bereaved family that Kim Soo-hyun attempted to block a broadcast on SBS’s ‘Curious Story Y’ that would have explored their relationship and the circumstances surrounding Kim Sae-ron’s tragic death. This is a breaking news story with significant implications for both the entertainment industry and the legal landscape surrounding online defamation in South Korea. For those following Google News, this is a developing story with high SEO potential.
Dispute Over ‘Curious Story Y’ Broadcast
The controversy centers around an episode of ‘Curious Story Y’ originally scheduled to air last month, which was ultimately canceled. Kim Sae-ron’s family claims Kim Soo-hyun exerted pressure to prevent the broadcast, fearing exposure of a six-year relationship that began when Kim Sae-ron was a minor. They allege that his legal representative, lawyer Ko Sang-rok, threatened legal action against SBS if the program proceeded with certain data disclosures.
Kim Soo-hyun’s side vehemently denies these claims. Lawyer Ko Sang-rok stated on his YouTube channel that Kim Soo-hyun has “no power to block the broadcast, and I have never attempted to do so.” He further explained that he was only informed of the postponement and requested that any broadcast include his client’s counterarguments. He accused Kim Sae-ron’s legal representative, lawyer Boo Bu-seok, of making “false claims” and attempting to portray Kim Soo-hyun as someone protecting his career rather than his client.
Allegations of a Past Relationship and Subsequent Tragedy
The core of the dispute lies in the nature of the relationship between the two actors. Kim Sae-ron’s family publicly shared photos, text messages, and letters suggesting a long-term romantic involvement. Kim Soo-hyun, however, refutes the claim that they dated while Kim Sae-ron was a minor and denies any responsibility for her death, dismissing allegations of neglect or pressure related to a 700 million won penalty stemming from a drunk driving incident.
Kim Sae-ron tragically passed away on February 16th, 2025. Her death sparked intense public scrutiny and fueled the allegations against Kim Soo-hyun. The case highlights the devastating consequences of cyberbullying and the challenges of navigating privacy and public image in the digital age. Understanding the nuances of SEO for sensitive topics like this is crucial for responsible reporting.
The Legal Battle: Defamation and Online Responsibility
Kim Soo-hyun is seeking 12 billion won in damages from the bereaved family and Kim Se-eui, the operator of ‘Garo Sero Research Institute,’ citing violations of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection (defamation). This lawsuit underscores the growing legal focus on online content and the responsibility of individuals and platforms to ensure the accuracy of information disseminated.
Evergreen Context: South Korea has some of the strictest laws regarding online defamation in the world. The Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection carries significant penalties, including imprisonment, for those found guilty of spreading false or damaging information online. This case will likely set a precedent for future legal battles involving public figures and online accusations. The rise of citizen journalism and social media platforms has created a complex landscape where verifying information and protecting reputations are paramount.
The production team of ‘Curious Story Y’ reportedly decided not to broadcast the episode due to difficulties in verifying the conflicting accounts and concerns about potential legal repercussions. This decision raises questions about the role of media outlets in reporting on sensitive and potentially defamatory information.
As this legal battle unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the power of information, the importance of due diligence, and the devastating impact of unchecked online accusations. Stay tuned to Archyde for continuing coverage of this breaking news story and its implications for the entertainment industry and the legal framework surrounding online defamation. For more in-depth analysis and updates, explore our sections on Korean entertainment and legal news.
