Seoul police have confirmed they are actively investigating ten separate legal cases involving South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun and the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron. This information was disclosed during a police press briefing held on May 19, 2025. The disputes between both parties have escalated into multiple legal confrontations, prompting formal complaints and investigations by various police units across Seoul.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Kim Soo-hyun’s side has filed a total of seven cases, while Kim Sae-ron’s family has submitted three. Among the complaints is a whistleblower report that questions the conduct of the legal counsel representing Kim Sae-ron’s family. This particular complaint has been forwarded to the Gangnam Police Station for further review.
One major point of contention is the lawsuit Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team filed against the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute. The accusations include stalking, defamation, and breaches of laws concerning sexual violence, especially regarding the unauthorized and allegedly AI-manipulated video and audio content involving Kim Sae-ron. Authorities mentioned that they are in the process of scheduling the appearance of the plaintiffs, though the accused individuals have not yet been questioned.
On the other side, Kim Sae-ron’s family filed a criminal complaint on May 7, 2025, accusing Kim Soo-hyun of violating the Child Welfare Act. They allege that Kim was involved in a romantic relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was still a minor. This case is being handled by the Women and Juvenile Crime Unit of the Gangnam Police Station.
Additionally, a separate whistleblower complaint was filed with South Korea’s Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission and later transferred to the police on May 16. The complaint accuses Bu Ji-seok, the family’s attorney, of giving improper legal advice and possibly being complicit in the broader legal conflicts. The Gangnam Police are now in charge of this investigation.
With serious accusations coming from both parties, the case has drawn public attention and remains highly sensitive. Police officials have stressed that the investigations are ongoing and have refused to release further details to protect the privacy and reputations of those involved. The evolving nature of the legal battle suggests that the situation is far from beingr esolved.