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MANILA, Philippines — The controversy involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron and Korean superstar Kim Soo-hyun continues to escalate following a press conference by Sae-ron's family on March 27. During the event, the family's legal representative, Bu Ji Seok, presented what they claim to be evidence — text messages and a letter — contradicting Soo-hyun's previous statements about their relationship timeline.
Bu Ji Seok, the representative attorney from the law firm BUYOU, spoke on behalf of Sae-ron's bereaved family, citing the extreme distress they have faced due to the public scrutiny and misinformation surrounding the late actress's private life.
South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun INSTAGRAM PHOTO/SOOHYUN_K216
"Recently, the private life of the late Sae-ron has been recklessly exposed almost daily, leading to baseless speculation and criticism directed at the bereaved family. As a result, the family is suffering from extreme anxiety as well as severe mental and physical distress," Bu Ji Seok said as translated by Soompi.
"The reason for holding this press conference today is to inform you of the difficulties the family is facing and to earnestly request that the criticism directed at them cease. This is not an occasion to reveal the reasons why the late Sae-ron chose to end her own life," he added.
In the statement, Bu Ji Seok emphasized that the family disclosed the relationship between Soo-hyun and Sae-ron to address false claims made by YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, who allegedly mocked and spread misinformation about the actress and that Soo-hyun initially denied any relationship with Sae Ron, even after evidence surfaced proving otherwise.
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"What the family received in return was Soo-hyun lying that he had never been in a relationship with her. Even after evidence proving their relationship was revealed, he did not offer a single word of apology. Instead, he is now lying again, stating that their relationship only began after she became an adult. Additionally, for reasons unknown, YouTuber Lee Jin Ho and other individuals involved in the case have been recklessly exposing the private life of the late Sae-ron and spreading false information about her," the lawyer said.
"In response, the bereaved family wishes to put an end to the controversy by presenting evidence. To be clear, this is not a place to reveal the reasons behind the late Sae-ron's decision to end her own life. The family would like to express that after today's press conference, they do not wish to engage in any further meaningless disputes over the truth," he continued.
The press conference included screenshots of KakaoTalk messages allegedly exchanged between Sae-ron and Soo-hyun. According to the family, the messages dated back to June 2016, when Sae-ron was still 15 years old, and Soo-hyun was 28. The texts purportedly contained affectionate exchanges between the two, contradicting Soo-hyun's recent claim that their relationship lasted only from 2019 to 2020, when Sae Ron was already an adult.
Additionally, Instagram direct messages between Sae-ron and an unnamed friend in April 2024 were revealed. In these conversations, the late actress reportedly described Soo-hyun as her "first love" and discussed their relationship, which the friend suggested lasted more than six years.
The family also disclosed an unsent letter written by Sae-ron to Soo-hyun before her passing. In the letter, Sae-ron expressed regret over posting a photo of them together in February 2024 and conveyed her longing for acknowledgment from the actor. She also mentioned the financial pressures she faced after leaving Gold Medalist, the talent agency that represents Soo-hyun.
"I find the people at Gold Medalist very scary and uncomfortable. After leaving the company, no one answers me when I try contacting them. I don't want to make things difficult for you. I sincerely wish you happiness. Looking back, the time we dated was about five to six years," Sae-ron's letter which she attempted to send to Soo-hyun read.
"Since you are my first and last love, I hope you won't avoid me. Seeing you avoid me and trying to not even acknowledge me makes all the time we spent together feel empty and futile. Let's just be on good terms, no more, no less, but we can at least be supportive of each other. Do you hate me that much? Why? If even this letter doesn't reach you, our relationship will really be over forever. I think I'd be sad then. I won't interfere in your life anymore, so please don't hate me...I hope there will be a day when we can see each other again while smiling," she added.
Despite the gravity of the claims, doubts have emerged regarding the authenticity of the evidence presented. Sae-ron's attorney admitted that the KakaoTalk messages had been "reconstructed" to protect personal details, though he maintained that the original data still exists and can be verified by authorities. However, fans argue that reconstructed messages lack legal credibility and leave room for manipulation.
Fans and industry observers are also questioning key details, such as the timeline of certain photos, including one showing Soo-hyun allegedly at Sae-ron's home. Social media reactions have been divided, with some demanding accountability from the actor, while others insist that without original metadata, the evidence remains inconclusive.
As of now, Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has not issued a response to the latest allegations.
