Seoul, South Korea – Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has reportedly reversed its initial plans to offer condolence money to the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron, sparking further controversy and drawing sharp criticism from the public.
According to reports, Gold Medalist had initially formed a crisis management team to engage with Kim Sae Ron’s bereaved family, aiming to resolve the ongoing controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun through dialogue. However, following a phone call between a company representative and Kim Sae Ron’s father, communication abruptly ceased, with subsequent attempts to reconnect proving unsuccessful.
Kim Soo Hyun SLAMMED As Agency Gold Medalist ABANDONS Kim Sae Ron Condolence Plans
The situation escalated after the Garo Sero Research Institute, a YouTube channel, released a censored photo allegedly depicting Kim Soo Hyun in a compromising situation at Kim Sae Ron’s residence. This release, made by reporter-turned-YouTuber Kim Se Ui, was perceived as retaliation for Gold Medalist’s perceived inadequate response to allegations of a past relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and a minor Kim Sae Ron.
Gold Medalist countered by stating the photo was taken in 2019, when Kim Sae Ron was of legal age, and condemned the “indiscriminate exposure of private photos.”
However, an insider source revealed that prior to the photo’s release, Gold Medalist had been exploring avenues to contact Kim Sae Ron’s family and clarify any “misunderstandings.” This included the consideration of offering condolence money.
The agency’s decision to abandon the condolence plan stemmed from concerns about potential legal ramifications. Gold Medalist reportedly feared that such a gesture, regardless of its intent, could be misconstrued as an attempt to bribe the family, particularly if rejected.
The agency has now adopted a more aggressive stance, opting for legal action. On March 20th, Gold Medalist filed criminal suits against Kim Sae Ron’s family and the Garo Sero Research Institute.
News of the agency’s initial condolence plans has ignited a wave of negative reactions from netizens, who have expressed disgust at what they perceive as an attempt to “solve the issue with money.” Online comments have criticized the agency’s perceived “money-obsessed mentality” and accused them of attempting to “bribe” the bereaved family. The agency’s shift from a conciliatory approach to legal action has further fueled public outrage.
