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The legal representative for Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has launched an aggressive counteroffensive against allegations that the star had an inappropriate relationship with late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was underage.
In a detailed YouTube video released Monday, attorney Kho Sang-rock systematically disputed claims made by YouTuber Kim Sae-ui and the deceased actress’s family, calling their evidence “fabricated” and “distorted.”
“This incident began when Kim Sae-ui based his accusations on a false statement left by the late Kim Sae-ron,” Kho stated in the video titled “Official stance on the GaroSero case — fabricated evidence, distorted truth.”
The attorney specifically challenged the accusers’ manipulation of digital content, alleging they used “photos taken when the two were adults and falsely presented them as proof of a relationship during her teenage years.”
The controversy erupted earlier this year when Kim Sae-ron’s family, working through the GaroSero Institute, claimed Kim Soo-hyun had dated the actress for six years, beginning when she was still in middle school. These allegations triggered intense public backlash against the actor, who has been one of Korea’s most recognizable and marketable stars.
Kim’s agency previously acknowledged that the actor had dated Kim Sae-ron but insisted the relationship occurred only “after she became an adult, from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020.” This significant discrepancy forms the central dispute in the ongoing controversy.
Kho directly challenged both Kim Sae-ui and Kim Sae-ron’s family to explain their conclusions about KakaoTalk conversations allegedly from 2016 and 2018 that they attributed to Kim Soo-hyun. He pointed out that during this period, the actor was “fully occupied with filming the movie ‘Real,'” suggesting he would have had limited availability for such extensive communication.
The attorney made serious accusations against the GaroSero Institute, claiming they fabricated evidence by manipulating various forms of communication. “They forged the sender information in the KakaoTalk messages and doctored photos from her adult years to look like they were taken when Kim Sae-ron was a minor,” Kho alleged.
“Knowing the evidence was false, they manipulated it for personal gain. This is not just defamation but an organized, nationwide fraud crime that destroyed a person’s reputation,” he added.
The fallout from the controversy has been substantial for Kim Soo-hyun. The actor, once considered among the highest-paid stars in Korean entertainment, suspended his professional activities amid the allegations. Several brands that had endorsement deals with him reportedly filed damage claims, highlighting the significant commercial impact of the scandal.
In previous statements, Kho shared letters Kim wrote to another ex-girlfriend during his military service, presenting them as evidence that contradicted claims of an underage relationship with Kim Sae-ron.
The case has drawn widespread attention within South Korea’s entertainment industry, where reputation can dramatically impact career trajectories. For Kim Soo-hyun, who rose to international fame through works like “My Love from the Star” and “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” the allegations presented a severe threat to his standing in the industry.
Industry observers note that the South Korean entertainment sector has faced multiple scandals involving alleged inappropriate relationships in recent years, making the public particularly sensitive to such accusations. This context has amplified the impact of the allegations against Kim, regardless of their veracity.
Kim’s legal team continues to pursue formal legal action while simultaneously conducting this public rebuttal campaign. As the controversy shifts toward questions about evidence manipulation and falsification, many are watching to see whether the actor can successfully rehabilitate his image and resume what was previously one of Korea’s most successful entertainment careers.
The case highlights the complex interplay between entertainment, social media, and legal proceedings in modern celebrity culture, where accusations can rapidly spread globally before facts are fully established.
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5 Comments
If the accusers did indeed manipulate digital content, that would be very concerning. I hope the full truth comes to light through a fair and thorough investigation. Rushing to conclusions without credible proof could unfairly damage reputations.
Agreed. It’s crucial to let the legal process play out and avoid spreading unverified rumors. The public should withhold judgment until the facts are established.
The attorney’s claim of fabricated and distorted evidence is quite serious. I’m curious to see what other evidence may emerge as this case proceeds. Transparency and objectivity will be essential in reaching a just outcome.
This saga highlights the need for caution when sensitive allegations involving minors arise. I hope all parties involved can come together to establish the truth, rather than engaging in a public battle of accusations.
This is a complex situation with conflicting claims. I appreciate the attorney’s detailed response challenging the evidence presented against Kim Soo-hyun. It’s important to scrutinize the facts carefully before rushing to judgment on sensitive allegations.