Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
Reporter Jung Se-yoon from TenAsia delves into intriguing broadcasting issues with a unique perspective.

The family of the late Kim Sae-ron and actor Kim Soo-hyun's representatives are at odds over the cancellation of an SBS documentary, 'Curious Story Y.' The late Kim Sae-ron's side claims, "Do not frame us for fabrication," while Kim Soo-hyun's side counters, "The other party is engaging in media play." SBS stated, "We decided to cancel the broadcast as simply reconstructing both sides' claims seemed meaningless."
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
The controversy was fueled by a statement from Bu Ji-seok, a lawyer from Bu-yu Law Firm, on the 1st. He represents the late Kim Sae-ron's family. Bu explained, "SBS's investigative program suddenly requested an interview related to this case on the 8th of last month. Despite the investigative agency's recommendation to avoid media contact, I eventually agreed to the interview."

Bu stated, "I provided some materials to the production team during the interview, showing that the late Kim Sae-ron dated Kim Soo-hyun as a minor, and requested a neutral broadcast." However, he claimed, "I received a sudden notice of cancellation two days before the scheduled airing on the 12th of last month."
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
Bu partially disclosed a conversation with an SBS producer. According to Bu, the producer said, "Kim Soo-hyun's side genuinely believes the evidence of the relationship is fabricated," and "they seem very anxious." Bu added, "Kim Soo-hyun's lawyer mentioned, 'This is a matter affecting my career,' to our writer."

Bu accused Kim Soo-hyun's legal representative, Go Sang-rok, of repeatedly influencing the program by mentioning his career and threatening civil and criminal actions based on his assumptions.
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
On the same day, lawyer Go released a rebuttal statement on his YouTube channel. Go stated, "I have no power to stop the broadcast, nor have I attempted to do so. I was merely informed of the broadcast's postponement by the network." He added, "If evidence related to the content is needed, I plan to release call recordings on YouTube."

Go asked the late Kim Sae-ron's family to answer five key questions, including whether they believe or claim that the deceased suffered and died because of Kim Soo-hyun, and whether the photos released by Gaseyeon were taken during her minor years.
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
With conflicting positions, SBS's 'Curious Story Y' team clarified, "We did investigate both Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron. However, after internal discussions, we decided not to air the episode. Both sides have valid points, and we felt reconstructing them in a broadcast was not meaningful. There are no other reasons."

The truth battle surrounding Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron first emerged in February this year, with ongoing revelations and rebuttals turning it into a prolonged issue. The investigation has seen no significant progress, only fueling suspicions. New claims continue to surface, complicating the case further. The involvement of the family, legal representatives, and the network in what was initially a personal matter has increased public fatigue.
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
Controversy Surrounds Canceled SBS Broadcast Involving Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron
Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun faces allegations of dating Kim Sae-ron for six years, starting when she was a minor. Initially denying the relationship, Kim Soo-hyun later stated they dated after she became an adult. However, a letter he sent to Kim Sae-ron during his military service, when she was a minor, was released by Gaseyeon, leading to accusations of false explanations. Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, Kim Soo-hyun's birthday.

In a March press conference, Kim Soo-hyun tearfully stated, "I did not date her when she was a minor. It is also untrue that my neglect or my agency's debt pressure led to her tragic decision."

Kim Soo-hyun's side is escalating legal actions against the family and YouTubers for defamation and damages. In response, the late Kim Sae-ron's family has filed counterclaims against Kim Soo-hyun for violating the Child Welfare Act and false accusations.

Reporter Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr
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