Controversy Surrounds Alleged Recording of Kim Soo-hyun and Late Actress Kim Sae-ron

In a shocking revelation, Kim Se-ui, the head of the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Institute' (Gaseyeon), claimed that Kim Soo-hyun's agency offered 4 billion KRW (approximately $3.4 million USD) to obtain a controversial recording.

On the afternoon of the 7th, a press conference was held in Gangnam, Seoul, by Bu Ji-seok, the legal representative of the late actress Kim Sae-ron's family. Kim Se-ui was also present at the event. This press conference marked the first public statement from Kim Sae-ron's family in about 40 days since March 27.

During the conference, Kim Se-ui played a recording allegedly made in a New Jersey coffee shop on January 10, 2025 (U.S. time), a month before Kim Sae-ron's death. The recording purportedly reveals Kim Sae-ron discussing her past relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun.

In the recording, Kim Sae-ron allegedly states, "I dated Kim Soo-hyun since middle school and broke up after entering college. I felt used since middle school. He sent me photos of himself with others. If I had the means, I would have exposed everything."

She continued, "The first time with him was during the winter break of my second year in middle school. In hindsight, I feel like I was taken advantage of. Everyone reacts the same, calling me crazy and asking why I didn't do anything."

Kim Se-ui further claimed, "An executive from Gold Medalist personally called the informant, offering 4 billion KRW for the recording. Subsequently, Kim Soo-hyun's lawyers also reached out."

Meanwhile, Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16. Her family has been presenting messages and photos through Gaseyeon, alleging that Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun were in a relationship from 2015 to 2021, starting when she was a minor. Kim Soo-hyun has denied these allegations in a press conference on March 31.

Following these events, Kim Soo-hyun's legal team filed a lawsuit on April 1 against Kim Sae-ron's family, Kim Se-ui, and an unidentified individual claiming to be Kim Sae-ron's aunt, seeking damages amounting to 12 billion KRW (approximately $10.2 million USD).

Reported by Tae Yuna, TenAsia youyou@tenasia.co.kr