The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has announced it will begin investigations into separate defamation cases involving actor Kim Soo Hyun, the late Kim Sae Ron, and the online media outlet HOVERLAB, as well as YouTuber Lee Jin Ho. The investigations stem from allegations and counter-allegations regarding the nature of Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron’s past relationship.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Complaint Against HOVERLAB
Acting Commissioner Park Hyun Soo of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency addressed the media on March 24, confirming the commencement of investigations. Regarding Kim Soo Hyun’s complaint against HOVERLAB (Garo Sero Research Institute), Park Hyun Soo stated,
“The complaint was received at Gangnam Police Station on the 20th, and an investigation, including questioning the complainant, will be conducted.”
This complaint was filed by Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team following HOVERLAB‘s dissemination of photos and claims that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron had been in a six-year relationship, starting in November 2015, when Kim Sae Ron was a minor. Initially, Kim Soo Hyun’s side vehemently denied these allegations. However, after further photos surfaced, they adjusted their stance, clarifying that their relationship began only after Kim Sae Ron reached adulthood. According to the police, the complaint centers on HOVERLAB’s “persistently raising allegations about Kim Soo Hyun’s past relationship.”
Defamation Lawsuit Against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho
The police are also investigating a defamation lawsuit filed against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho by Kim Sae Ron’s family. Park Hyun Soo confirmed,
“The case was assigned to Seodaemun Police Station on the 17th, and we are coordinating a schedule for the complainant’s appearance.”
Bu Ji Seok, the legal representative of Kim Sae Ron’s family from the law firm Buyou, filed the lawsuit on March 19, accusing Lee Jin Ho of spreading false information. Lee Jin Ho had repeatedly posted videos since 2022 denying the existence of a past relationship between Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun. Following Kim Sae Ron’s death on February 16, he made all related videos private.
Background and Context
The controversy began when HOVERLAB released photos allegedly provided by Kim Sae Ron’s family, claiming a long-term relationship with Kim Soo Hyun. The situation has been further complicated by the tragic passing of Kim Sae Ron, who was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, last month.
Kim Sae Ron’s past struggles, including a drunk driving incident in May 2022 that resulted in a 20 million won fine, and reports of financial difficulties, have added a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigations.
The police investigation will aim to determine the veracity of the allegations and whether any defamation occurred, seeking to bring clarity to the conflicting claims surrounding the actors’ relationship. The cases are currently under active investigation.
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