A recent report alleged that an informant involved in the controversy surrounding actors Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun was violently attacked while abroad. According to the claims, the individual was assaulted by two ethnic Korean-Chinese men, often referred to as Josunjok. It was also stated that the incident was being handled by the FBI due to its severity, which involved multiple stab wounds and serious hand injuries resulting in partial disability.
The informant, who reportedly had a consensually recorded audio file containing disturbing and explicit material involving the late Kim Sae Ron, was said to be the target of the attack. The incident allegedly occurred on May 1 and was described as a brutal assault involving stabbing and nerve damage. The information was shared by the controversial YouTube channel, Garo Sero Institute.
However, Korean media outlet MT News challenged the validity of this story on May 20, 2025. They cited a statement from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in New York, which confirmed that no such crime involving Korean nationals had been reported or investigated within their jurisdiction. The consulate emphasized that under international law, they would have been informed of any such incident.
The consulate clarified that they had received no notifications from U.S. authorities regarding the arrest or detention of any Korean citizen in connection to an attempted murder or violent crime. While this may undermine the original claims, the consulate did note that matters involving the FBI fall outside their scope, and they held no related information about such a federal investigation.
Given that the original claim pointed to ethnic Korean-Chinese perpetrators and suggested that the FBI was the lead investigative body, the consulate’s statement mainly served to confirm that no South Korean nationals were involved. It also indicates a potential jurisdictional divide that could explain the lack of notification to the Korean consulate.
Meanwhile, YouTuber Lee Jin Ho, a consistent critic of Kim Sae Ron throughout the scandal, has been vocal in questioning the credibility of Garo Sero’s claims. He continues to dispute various aspects of the story, adding to the growing skepticism and confusion surrounding the already controversial situation.