The South Korean Consulate in New York has officially refuted allegations that an informant connected to the late actress Kim Sae-ron was attacked in the United States. In a statement released on May 19, 2025, the consulate clarified that no Korean nationals have been arrested or detained in relation to such an incident within their jurisdiction. They emphasized that, under international law, any arrest or legal issue involving a Korean citizen abroad must be reported to the consulate immediately, and no such report has been made.
These rumors originated from a press conference held by the YouTube group Garosero Institute and lawyer Bu Ji-seok, representing Kim Sae-ron’s family. During the event, they claimed that the informant who provided them with an audio recording involving Kim Sae-ron had been assaulted. The audio allegedly contained sensitive content suggesting a past relationship between Kim Sae-hyun and Kim Soo-hyun.
In response to these claims, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, GOLDMEDALIST, has taken legal action against the Garo Sero Institute, accusing them of manipulating audio recordings using artificial intelligence to fabricate evidence. They have filed multiple legal complaints, including defamation and stalking charges against individuals disseminating these allegations.
The controversy has significantly impacted Kim Soo-hyun’s professional engagements. The release of his upcoming Disney+ series, Knock-Off, has been indefinitely postponed due to the ongoing scandal. Additionally, international advertisers, including Taiwan’s 7-Eleven, are reportedly preparing lawsuits against the actor for damages related to halted promotions and discarded merchandise, with claims amounting to approximately 6 billion KRW (about $4.29 million USD).
Public opinion remains divided, with some fans rallying in support of Kim Soo-hyun, while others call for accountability pending the outcomes of the investigations. The controversy has sparked widespread debate on social media platforms, with discussions ranging from criticism to messages of encouragement for the actor.
As the investigations continue, the entertainment industry and fans alike await further developments in this complex and sensitive case. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has stated that they are carefully examining all allegations and evidence submitted to ensure a thorough and fair investigation.