The side of actor Kim Soo-hyun announced that police have referred the mother of the late Kim Sae-ron and others to the prosecution in connection with criminal complaints filed over claims that Kim Soo-hyun dated the late actress when she was a minor.

Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, released an official statement on October 26, stating, "We are sharing the results of the police investigation regarding multiple criminal complaints and accusations filed by Kim Soo-hyun and our company against the bereaved family of the late Kim Sae-ron and an individual who impersonated the deceased's maternal aunt."

The agency claimed, "Following the previous arrest and indictment of Kim Se-ui of Hover Lab in connection with this case, accomplices who took part in a series of offenses with Kim Se-ui, including the spread of false information, have also had their criminal charges recognized and were referred to the prosecution." The agency explained that those referred this time include the mother of the late actress and "an individual who impersonated the deceased's maternal aunt," facing charges including violation of the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation by stating false facts), violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes (distribution of recordings using cameras, etc.), and attempted coercion. A decision of non-referral was made regarding the late actress's father.

According to the agency, the police also conducted separate independent investigations into accomplices who were not initially included in the complaints.

Gold Medalist stated, "Attorney Boo Ji-seok, the legal representative for the bereaved family who led two press conferences using false and manipulated materials confirmed by investigative authorities (falsified and altered KakaoTalk messages, manipulated AI audio), and Kwon Young-chan, operator of the YouTube channel 'Kwon Young-chan TV,' were also each referred to the prosecution with charges recognized. Attorney Boo Ji-seok faces charges of defamation under the Criminal Act and violation of the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation by stating false facts), while Kwon Young-chan faces charges of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes (distribution of recordings using cameras, etc.)."

The agency added, "We deeply thank the investigative authorities for their hard work in carefully verifying the facts based on extensive materials and objective evidence to uncover the reality of the crimes and those involved."

Referral is the stage where the police conclude their investigation and forward the case to the prosecution, and the decision on whether to indict rests with the prosecution.

Meanwhile, Kim Se-ui, head of Hover Lab, was arrested and indicted in June and is currently on trial before the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court.

Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-cheol

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)