Actor Kim Soo Hyun has formally requested an extension from the Seoul Central District Court to settle legal fees in his colossal ₩12 billion KRW (approx. $8.16 million USD) lawsuit targeting the family of the late Kim Sae Ron and the controversial YouTube outlet, Garosero Research Institute. Although previously mandated to pay ₩38 million KRW (around $26,700 USD) in recognition and delivery fees, records indicate the payment had not been completed as of April 16, prompting this legal maneuver.
The lawsuit revolves around the unauthorized release of a personal photograph, allegedly captured during Kim Soo Hyun’s romantic involvement with Kim Sae Ron. This image, broadcast publicly by Garosero Research Institute, is said to portray the actor in a compromising context. His agency, Gold Medalist, has condemned the dissemination as a direct breach of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, signaling a serious violation of privacy and personal dignity.
Despite initially refraining from legal retaliation against Kim Sae Ron’s family out of posthumous respect, Gold Medalist ultimately proceeded with the case due to ongoing concerns regarding potential repeated violations and reputational damage. The agency emphasized the necessity of this action to safeguard the actor’s public image amidst an escalating digital smear campaign.
Further intensifying the legal entanglement, Gold Medalist launched additional lawsuits against Kim Se Ui, the YouTuber behind Garosero Research Institute. These accusations include stalking, unauthorized dissemination of private images, defamation, coercion, and intimidation. The agency has presented substantial evidence of malicious intent, including threats to release more private content should Kim Soo Hyun’s Disney+ drama Knock-Off not be halted—threats they’ve labeled as blackmail.
This legal storm emerges as Kim Soo Hyun faces career turbulence, including termination from a major brand partnership only 20 days after signing. With potential penalties looming as high as ₩180 billion KRW due to the suspended Knock-Off production, and his agency under further scrutiny for separate allegations, the actor now finds himself at the center of one of the most high-stakes legal and reputational battles in recent Korean entertainment history.