“Disappointing” Kim Sae-ron’s Family Pulls Out Their Card: What’s Next for Kim Soo-hyun's Future?

The late actress Kim Sae-ron’s family has announced plans to recover past data from her smartphone through digital forensics in an effort to prove her alleged relationship with Kim Soo-hyun during her teenage years.

According to multiple reports, Kim’s family expressed disappointment, stating, "All we wanted was an apology, but we were let down." They now intend to retrieve photos and messages from Kim Sae-ron’s phone as evidence.

Alleged Messages & New Video Footage Surface

On March 18, YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute (Gaseyeon) alleged, "Kim Soo-hyun instructed her to delete KakaoTalk conversations and switch to Telegram on a phone to hide their relationship." Adding to the controversy, Gaseyeon claimed to possess thousands of photos and videos featuring Kim Soo-hyun, including a clip allegedly showing him and Kim Sae-ron together inside her home.

Legal Battle Intensifies—Defamation & Blackmail Charges Considered

Now Kim Sae-ron’s family is reportedly considering legal action against Kim Soo-hyun and his agency Gold Medalist, citing blackmail and defamation. In response, Gold Medalist recently publicly disclosed the full contents of the second legal notice sent by the family, urging them to stop spreading false information.

The agency maintains its stance, reiterating in a March 14 statement that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were only in a relationship for one year after she became an adult, denying any involvement while she was underage.

Additionally, the family has filed a lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, accusing him of spreading false claims that allegedly led to Kim Sae-ron’s emotional distress and, ultimately, her tragic passing. However, Lee Jin-ho has denied the allegations.

According to police reports on March 19, the Seoul Metropolitan Police received the complaint on March 17 from Kim Sae-ron’s family attorney Bu Ji-seok of Law Firm Buyu and has assigned the case to the Seodaemun Police Department’s investigative team. A formal questioning date for the plaintiff has yet to be scheduled.

Boycott Movement Against Kim Soo-hyun Gains Global Traction

Meanwhile, the boycott against Kim Soo-hyun is gaining momentum beyond Korea, impacting brands he endorsed such as Dinto, Homeplus Aider, Tous Les Jours, Prada, and Jo Malone London. Some brands have already severed ties, while others remain in wait-and-see mode.

Additionally, the producers of ‘Good Day’, a show hosted by G-Dragon, where Kim Soo-hyun appeared, have reportedly decided to edit out his footage almost entirely. The controversy is also casting uncertainty over his Disney+ series 'Knock-Off', raising speculation about its future prospects.

With digital forensics potentially recovering critical evidence, many believe this case could make or break Kim Soo-hyun’s career. As the battle between Kim Soo-hyun’s camp and Kim Sae-ron’s family escalates, all eyes remain on how the situation unfolds.