Actor Kim Soo-hyun's representatives have announced that they are filing a defamation lawsuit against the family of the late Kim Sae-ron, an unidentified individual, and the operators of the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Institute.' They are also pursuing a damages claim amounting to approximately $120 million.
On the afternoon of the 31st, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference at a hotel in Sangam-dong, Seoul, to address the rumors surrounding his alleged relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. Kim's legal representative, Attorney Kim Jong-bok from the law firm LKB & Partners, was also present.
Kim Soo-hyun denied the allegations of a relationship with a minor, stating that he dated Kim Sae-ron for just over a year around 2020. He also suggested that the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Institute' might have fabricated the KakaoTalk messages they presented as evidence of the alleged relationship.
Attorney Kim Jong-bok announced that they are proceeding with criminal charges against Kim Sae-ron's family and 'Garo Sero Institute' for defaming Kim Soo-hyun. He stated, "We have submitted a complaint against Kim Sae-ron's family, the unidentified individual, and the operators of 'Garo Sero Institute,' along with an expert's report on the authenticity of the KakaoTalk messages. We also filed a $120 million damages lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court today."
The press conference drew significant media and public attention as Kim Soo-hyun personally addressed the controversy. However, the announcement that there would be no Q&A session led to criticism, with some calling it a "half-baked" press conference.
In response, Attorney Kim explained, "Due to the submission of the complaint, these individuals are now subjects of investigation and must face legal judgment."
ebada@sbs.co.kr
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)