Shortly after a press conference where a controversial audio involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron was released, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, issued a strong rebuttal. They labeled the audio as fake and AI-generated, while alleging that the individual who shared it is a con artist. According to them, this person initially approached Kim Soo Hyun’s team, demanding money in return for allegedly positive content about the actor. When the request was declined, he reportedly turned to Garo Sero Institute with the falsified recording.
The press conference, held on May 7, featured Kim Sae Ron supposedly describing an inappropriate relationship with Kim Soo Hyun during her school years. She is heard saying it began in middle school and implied it was not consensual. These shocking claims gained quick traction, prompting Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representatives at LKB & Partners to respond, asserting that the audio is entirely fabricated using AI technology.
In their detailed statement, Gold Medalist claimed that the alleged whistleblower altered his narrative multiple times. Initially, he offered an audio file suggesting Kim Sae Ron had spoken favorably of Kim Soo Hyun. When the agency refused to pay him, he allegedly manipulated the content and collaborated with Garo Sero to make it public. Gold Medalist reiterated that the file lacks authenticity and is currently undergoing forensic testing to determine its AI origins.
The agency emphasized that the person who submitted the audio had no real connection to Kim Sae Ron. They believe the recording was forged with malicious intent after the failed extortion attempt. Gold Medalist stated they are working to verify the use of artificial intelligence in the audio and will reveal their findings as soon as the investigation is complete.
During the same press conference, YouTuber Kim Se Ui of Garo Sero claimed that the whistleblower had been assaulted in New Jersey in a planned attack by individuals of Korean and Chinese origin. He said the case is now under the FBI’s jurisdiction. However, Gold Medalist refuted these claims, pointing out that the photo used as supposed evidence was taken from the internet and is publicly searchable.
Kim Soo Hyun’s agency criticized Garo Sero for presenting misleading narratives, asserting that they were exploiting fake visuals to support false claims. The agency accused the media outlet of fabricating stories and using unrelated images to mislead the public. They also questioned the authenticity of any evidence provided by the alleged whistleblower.
Moving forward, Gold Medalist described this incident as a new kind of cybercrime involving AI manipulation and character assassination. They outlined plans to take firm legal action against Garo Sero for defamation, online sexual misconduct, stalking, and manufacturing fake evidence. They indicated that these acts violate various South Korean legal provisions, including the Stalking Punishment Act.
Kim Soo Hyun had already initiated legal proceedings against Kim Sae Ron’s family and Garo Sero’s Kim Se Ui for invasion of privacy and persistent harassment. His agency reaffirmed their commitment to protecting him legally and publicly, declaring that they will not tolerate defamation or cyber crimes. They promised to share updates as their investigations and legal actions progress.