
Kim Soo Hyun to be prosecuted? Actor at legal risk if Kim Sae Ron's alleged recording is proven authentic
The bereaved family of the late Kim Sae Ron held a press conference on May 7, 2025 in Samseong-dong, Seoul, drawing widespread attention and public outrage. The event was led by Bu Ji-seok, the family's legal representative, alongside Kim Se-ui of the Garo Sero Institute. During the press conference, a video recording allegedly featuring Kim Sae Ron was revealed, in which she claimed to have had a sexual relationship with actor Kim Soo Hyun when she was just 14 years old.
The revelation sent shockwaves across social media, with many netizens expressing disgust and calling for legal action if the claims are verified. However, there is also a growing debate over the authenticity of the audio. Some netizens have urged caution, raising concerns that the recording may have been fabricated or taken out of context.
현재 김수현 관련 폭로중
-자신과 성관계한 여성 아이돌이 성기에서 냄새가 난다는 이유로 연락처 이름을 '미역'으로 저장함
-김새론이 중학생일때부터 연애를 시작해 대학생때 결별
-김새론이 중학교 2학년이던 시절 성관계를 함 pic.twitter.com/cYTXXqWSIQ — ㅇㅇ (@29485_) May 7, 2025
What happens if the recording is authentic? Legal experts weigh in
After the release of a recording involving Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Sae Ron's family has filed charges against the actor for violating the Child Welfare Act. Legal experts say that if the audio is proven authentic, prosecution may be possible.
Attorney Noh Jong-eon of the law firm Jonjae said in an interview with TV Report, "If the evidence released by Kim Sae Ron's family is genuine, it could become an important lead for police investigations."
However, he also cautioned about the legal complexities involved. "In sex crime cases, the victim's consistent testimony is key. But since the victim has sadly passed away, it's difficult to secure additional evidence. The outcome of the investigation will depend on how actively the police pursue further inquiry," Kbizoom reported.
Kim Sae Ron's alleged recording
He also elaborated, "For a Child Welfare Act violation to be established, the case must be quite complex. It's not just about whether there was sexual activity—it must also involve emotional abuse. While the public may feel strong suspicions, we must not overlook the principle of 'presumption of innocence'."
On the matter of legal standards, he added, "An indictment must specify the time, place and method of the crime. There is a recording, but no further testimony, which means there's a lack of material to use in an indictment. The police must conduct thorough interviews with surrounding witnesses and examine the accused, Kim Soo Hyun, in detail to substantiate the case. The outcome will depend on the police's level of commitment."
Impact on Kim Soo Hyun's career
He also addressed the potential impact on Kim Soo Hyun's current projects. The attorney said, "This case is closely tied to a potential penalty involving Disney+'s Knock-Off. If Kim Soo Hyun has been falsely accused, he could sue the family for damages.
Conversely, if the family's claims are true, Kim Soo Hyun could be liable for tens of billions of won in penalty fees. Since this case is such a major public issue, the police are likely feeling significant pressure regarding the investigation."
For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Pink Villa
12 hours ago
- Pink Villa
Why is Kim Sae Ron's ex-manager suing YouTuber covering Kim Soo Hyun case? Kwon Young Chan claims he was 'dad' to actress
Kim Sae Ron's former manager, commonly known as Mr K, decided to drag Kwon Young Chan to court, due to facing defamatory comments from him. He claimed that the comments allegedly character assassinated him and ruined his reputation, as reported by psepeter's blog on June 20. Kim Sae Ron's manager filed defamation suit against YouTuber Kwon Young Chan On June 19, Mr K, the former manager of the late actress Kim Sae Ron, filed a complaint against YouTuber Kwon Young Chan with Seoul's Seocho Police Station for violating the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation). The charges were based on Kwon Young Chan allegedly spreading false information about Mr K on his YouTube channel, Kwon Young-chan TV, for a period of three months. He also accused the content creator of exposing his name and identity through his video coverage of the Kim Soo Hyun - Kim Sae Ron dating controversy, alleging it as an invasion of privacy. Accusations brought by Kwon Young Chan against Kim Sae Ron's former manager Kwon Young-chan TV videos about Mr K, claimed the latter's involvement in embezzling hospital bills and grooming actress Kim Sae Ron. Mr K, who served as Kim Sae Ron's personal manager after she signed an exclusive contract with Management Run in January 2023, denied these allegations, stating that the emergency medical bills were paid using corporate and company cards, and there was no private relationship or illegal activity involved. Kwon Young Chan, however, had already reported Mr K for violating medical and personal information laws. Mr K accused Kwon Young Chan of maligning his fatherly relationship with Kim Sae Ron Kim Sae Ron's former manager cited his close bond with the actress, saying she trusted him so much that she affectionately called him "dad." "I supported her financially during her hardships and did my best to help her career revival," he stated. Mr K described her death as a "deeply shocking", and he was further devastated by Kwon Young Chan's "inhumane false claims". He alleged that those defamatory statements severely damaged his reputation, all before he could even "grieve properly" on the actress' untimely passing.


Pink Villa
17 hours ago
- Pink Villa
Ju Haknyeon row: Ex-THE BOYZ member's meeting with Kirara Asuka facilitated by overseas brokers? Police complaint reveals
Ju Haknyeon's recent meet-up with former Japanese AV actress Kirara Asuka sparked intense scrutiny. He was also accused of being paying for indulging in pr*stitution with her. As the act is unlawful in South Korea, a police complaint was filed against him. Recently, on June 20, an article by K-media outlet TV Report revealed that the complaint alleged that the artist's case was a part of a major broker-led ring. Ex-THE BOYZ's Ju Haknyeon accused of pr*stitution in police report Ju Haknyeon came under fire after photos of his secret meet-up with former Japanese p*rnstar Kirara Asuka got exposed by Japanese tabloid Shūkan Bunshun. The photos were taken at a private bar in Tokyo's Roppongi district on May 29, and showed him engaging in intimate gestures with her. The report also alleged that THE BOYZ member was involved in pr*stitution with her. Following that, a police complaint was filed against Ju Haknyeon. Contents of police complaint against Ju Haknyeon revealed The complaint highlighted that the issue went beyond a personal scandal. It indicated a broader systemic problem involving a celebrity prostitution ring that potentially operated with the involvement of agencies and the industry. 'This should not be brushed off as an isolated incident. It raises serious concerns about organized coordination possibly involving staff, producers, and overseas brokers,' the complaint read. The unexpected allegation sent shockwaves in the industry and among fans. If the police investigation results find him guilty of the offence, it might lead to a chain of similar cases coming to light. Consequences Ju Haknyeon faced for alleged involvement in pr*stitution Paying money for physical intimacy is illegal in the artist' home country. Following allegations of Ju Haknyeon's involvement in the offence, THE BOYZ's agency ONE HUNDRED investigated in the matter. As per reports, they found evidence against him and thus, kicked him out of the group, by terminating his contract. From a legal standpoint, any individuals found guilty of the same might face a fine of up to 3 million KRW or a year in prison. The law also applies for foreign individuals and can be levied against Kirara Asuka as well.


Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Kim Soo Hyun faces $5,350,000 in damages as dating scandal with late actress Kim Sae Ron costs him major brand deals
Kim Soo Hyun, once known as South Korea's golden boy of K-dramas, is now battling to protect his reputation and his finances as a wave of high-profile advertisers take legal action against him. With hefty penalty fees in reported lawsuits piling up, the actor's fall from grace has sent shockwaves through the industry. What was once a thriving brand empire built on a 'clean-cut' image is now cracking following his dating scandal with late actress Kim Sae Ron. Kim Soo Hyun hit with KRW 7.3B lawsuits as brands cut ties over Kim Sae Ron scandal Kim Soo Hyun has been hit with a series of high-stakes compensation lawsuits from the very brands that once proudly signed him. So far, six companies have publicly come forward, demanding more than KRW 7.34 billion (around USD 5,350,000) in damages, with more expected to follow. The situation escalated dramatically when two of Kim Soo Hyun's biggest endorsement partners took action to recover their losses. Medical skincare brand Classys filed a lawsuit demanding KRW 3.00 billion (approximately USD 2,190,000) after moving to seize his Galleria Forêt apartment—the property the actor had purchased back in 2013 and 2014. Just a day later, South Korean electronics giant Cuckoo filed for a court-ordered freeze of the actor's assets worth KRW 100 million (roughly USD 73,500). Along with its subsidiaries, including its Chinese affiliate and rice cooker division, Cuckoo is demanding KRW 850 million (around USD 625,000) in damages, bringing their joint claim to KRW 2.03 billion (approximately USD 1,470,000). Other companies weren't far behind. On April 25, a cosmetics brand filed suit demanding KRW 510 million (about USD 367,000). Trendmaker, which operates the vegan beauty label DINTO, also turned to the courts, filing for the same amount after initially backing the actor but later facing backlash themselves. Health supplement company FromBIO—best known for its stem cell hair loss treatment line—filed the largest individual claim of KRW 3.96 billion (about USD 2,890,000) on May 16. The company had only recently signed Kim Soo Hyun in October 2024, riding the success of Queen of Tears, but conveniently dropped him once the scandal took centre stage. The controversy that started it all Kim Soo Hyun's troubles began earlier this year when rumours surfaced about a past relationship with late actress Kim Sae Ron. While the actor initially remained silent, speculation quickly turned toxic after YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute accused him of having an inappropriate relationship with Bloodhounds fame when she was just 15 years old. The allegation remains unproven, and Soo Hyun has since filed a KRW 12 million lawsuit against the channel, but the damage was already done. Adding fuel to the fire was a press conference held by Soo Hyun's agency, GOLD MEDALIST, which many felt came off as defensive and evasive. Instead of clearing his name, the appearance only intensified public and media backlash. In a matter of weeks, the actor—once celebrated for roles in It's Okay to Not Be Okay and Queen of Tears—became embroiled in what now looks like a career-threatening crisis. Kim Soo Hyun's Disney+ drama Knock Off postponed amid scandal Kim Soo Hyun's future in the industry now hangs in the balance, as Disney+ has reportedly postponed his upcoming drama Knock Off indefinitely. The decision comes amid growing pressure from advertisers and ongoing public backlash surrounding his controversy. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.