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Grieving Family Seeks Justice Amidst Tragic Loss

The family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has publicly called for an apology from actor Kim Soo-hyun, questioning why he remained silent when she was struggling but has now issued a statement after her passing. Additionally, they have taken legal action against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, accusing him of spreading false information that allegedly contributed to Kim Sae-ron’s emotional distress.

On March 17, Attorney Bu-ji Seok of Buyu Law Firm, representing Kim Sae-ron’s family, filed a criminal complaint against the YouTuber at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. The family asserts that Lee Jin-ho’s content misrepresented Kim Sae-ron, falsely denying her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun and portraying her in a negative light.

YouTuber Lee Jin-ho Accused of Defamation and Evidence Tampering

In their official statement, Kim Sae-ron’s family expressed their frustration, emphasizing the damage caused by Lee Jin-ho’s false claims:

“Article 250, Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Act states that a person who causes another’s death shall be subject to severe legal punishment, including death, life imprisonment, or a minimum of five years in prison.
While we cannot directly file a murder charge, we strongly urge the court to acknowledge the causal link between Lee Jin-ho’s dissemination of false information and the deceased’s emotional distress, ensuring the harshest possible punishment.”

The family claims that Lee Jin-ho manipulated public perception, suggesting that Kim Sae-ron was an unstable woman rather than someone in emotional turmoil. They further allege that after her passing, Lee Jin-ho began deleting old videos, an action they consider destruction of evidence. They are calling for a full investigation, including a search and seizure, and an arrest warrant.

Kim Soo-hyun’s Alleged Indifference: “Why Didn’t He Reach Out?”

A significant part of the family’s grievance is directed at Kim Soo-hyun, whom Kim Sae-ron had previously dated. They claim that despite her struggles, he never responded to her attempts to contact him before her passing.

The family explained that on March 24, 2024, Kim Sae-ron uploaded an old photo of herself with Kim Soo-hyun. This, they claim, was her last attempt to reach out after receiving a certified legal notice from his agency demanding debt repayment.

“She hoped that Kim Soo-hyun would not have been involved in this matter. But when he didn’t respond to her private message, she thought that posting an old photo might prompt him to reach out.”

Instead of receiving any personal communication, she received a second legal notice from his agency. The family describes this letter as a threat, not just regarding her debt but warning her not to contact Kim Soo-hyun or any actors from his agency.

“When she sent a message directly to Kim Soo-hyun, begging for her life, he never responded. Instead, his agency sent another certified letter, telling her to pay her debt within a set period and forbidding her from reaching out to him or his agency again. It also warned that legal action would be taken against her for uploading the photo.”

According to the family, after the second notice, Kim Soo-hyun never contacted her again, nor did anyone from his agency.

A Call for an Apology and Legal Action Against Kim Soo-hyun

Kim Sae-ron’s family expressed their pain and anger over the treatment she endured, stating:

“It is unbearable to imagine the mental anguish she suffered after receiving such legal threats while she was alive. We cannot understand why Kim Soo-hyun is only speaking now, after her death, instead of reaching out when she was still here.”

The family further stated that they are considering taking legal action against Kim Soo-hyun, urging him to take responsibility for his inaction and issue a sincere apology.

Full Statement from Kim Sae-ron’s Bereaved Family

Statement from the Bereaved Family of Kim Sae-ron

Article 250, Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Act states that a person responsible for another’s death shall face a punishment of death, life imprisonment, or a minimum of five years in prison.

While we cannot formally file murder charges, we strongly urge the court to recognize that the false information spread by YouTuber Lee Jin-ho played a direct role in the deceased’s suffering and ultimate decision. We demand the severest punishment possible.

The deceased uploaded a photo of herself with her former lover, Kim Soo-hyun, on March 24, 2024, after receiving a debt collection notice from his agency. She reached out to him, hoping he was unaware of the situation. When he did not respond, she thought that sharing an old photo might get his attention, so she briefly uploaded it.

We do not know who instructed YouTuber Lee Jin-ho to spread lies, but he falsely denied her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun and further misrepresented her, causing her severe mental distress. His actions led to a state where she felt she had no other choice but to take the path she did.

The bereaved family had no intention of revealing her past relationship with Kim Soo-hyun. However, we were forced to do so to prove that Lee Jin-ho’s claims were false. As part of our pursuit of justice, we call for a thorough investigation, as Lee Jin-ho deleted videos after her passing, which is clear evidence tampering.

Regarding Kim Soo-hyun, at first, we only wanted him to acknowledge their relationship to disprove Lee Jin-ho’s lies. However, due to Kim Soo-hyun’s repeated denials, the burden on the bereaved family has only grown. Now, we demand a sincere apology from him.

When the deceased begged Kim Soo-hyun for help in her final days, he ignored her messages. Instead of responding, he had his agency send a second legal notice, warning her not to contact him or anyone from his agency and threatening legal action over an old photo.

After this second legal notice, Kim Soo-hyun never reached out again, and no one from his agency offered her any support.

It is heartbreaking to even imagine the mental pain she must have endured, receiving such harsh legal threats from someone she once loved. Why is he speaking out only now, instead of when she was still alive?

We are currently considering legal action against Kim Soo-hyun.

Public Outrage and Next Steps

This case has sparked a heated debate in the entertainment industry, with many questioning Kim Soo-hyun’s role and responsibility in the situation. Both Lee Jin-ho and Kim Soo-hyun’s agencies are expected to issue statements in response.

As investigations proceed, authorities will determine whether Lee Jin-ho’s content was defamatory and whether Kim Soo-hyun’s legal notices contributed to Kim Sae-ron’s suffering.

The bereaved family stands firm in their fight for justice, refusing to let Kim Sae-ron’s death go unanswered.

Source: Naver News 10 Asia