Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has expressed a desire to meet with the late Kim Sae-ron's mother to discuss recent events.
On the 15th, Gold Medalist addressed the content of a broadcast by Garosero Research Institute (Gaseyeon) from the previous day, stating, "The photos released by Gaseyeon were taken on December 14, 2019. There is no justification for the indiscriminate release of photos containing the private lives of Kim Soo-hyun and the deceased. We urge you to stop spreading personal information." The agency also attached photos with time and location details.
Kim Soo-hyun's side stated, "We have also confirmed the position of Kim Sae-ron's mother as revealed in the broadcast. We believe that no words can adequately comfort her for the indescribable pain she is experiencing after losing Kim Sae-ron. We express our deep sorrow and regret for the pain the deceased had to endure." They added, "We deeply empathize with the points raised by the mother regarding various media reports about the deceased. Kim Soo-hyun is also suffering from the damage caused by Gaseyeon's reports, as stated in our recent position statement."
The agency further explained, "However, there seem to be some differences in opinion between the mother's claims and our stance." They continued, "There may be details that are not yet known. We believe that publicly debating these issues is not appropriate for restoring the honor of the deceased or for the mother who sought any means to do so." They requested, "We would like to meet with the mother and provide a thorough explanation. Please feel free to contact the Gold Medalist office at any time."
Previously, Kim Soo-hyun's agency released a statement saying, "Kim Soo-hyun has been experiencing extreme confusion due to claims that he was responsible for the sudden death of the deceased following Gaseyeon's report." The agency acknowledged Kim Soo-hyun's relationship with Kim Sae-ron but clarified, "It was not during her minor years." They also explained that a letter sent to Kim Sae-ron during his military service was one of many sent to close acquaintances.
Regarding the issuance of a certificate of content for approximately 700 million won in debt to Kim Sae-ron, the agency stated it was necessary to follow procedures for bad debt provision. They explained, "According to legal and accounting advice, if we process the amount as a bad debt without any debt collection actions against Kim Sae-ron, it would be considered a unilateral debt waiver, causing damage to our company and raising concerns of breach of duty by our executives."
Previously, a family acquaintance known as 'Kim Sae-ron's aunt' took the lead, but now Kim Sae-ron's mother has stepped forward. She stated, "Our goal is to restore the honor of a child who was destroyed in an instant by numerous false articles," and "We want to lay the groundwork for legally punishing the malicious YouTubers and cyber wreckers whose criminal acts continue to occur."
The family of Kim Sae-ron had previously claimed, "Kim Sae-ron dated Kim Soo-hyun for six years starting at age 15," and had been releasing photos of the deceased with Kim Soo-hyun. On the 12th, they released a photo of Kim Soo-hyun kissing Kim Sae-ron, along with letters and selfies sent during his military service, causing a stir.
Reported by Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia, bella@tenasia.co.kr