Controversial YouTuber and former journalist Lee Jin Ho remains a prominent voice in the ongoing controversy involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron and actor Kim Soo Hyun. He has actively sought to counter the narrative presented by Kim Sae Ron’s family, particularly the claim that Soo Hyun dated Sae Ron while she was still a minor. Through a series of online videos, Lee has introduced what he considers to be factual evidence, aiming to refute the allegations and provide an alternate timeline of events.
In one of his most recent videos, Lee asserted that Soo Hyun and Sae Ron were in a relationship in 2019—when she was legally an adult. He emphasized that the actress’s phone served as a key piece of evidence. The YouTuber referred to multiple selfies and couple photos posted online, which Sae Ron’s family claimed were from as early as 2015 or 2016. However, Lee pointed out that certain technical elements of one photo contradict that timeline, notably a mirror selfie featuring both individuals in matching jackets.
Lee highlighted that the specific selfie could not have been taken in 2016, as it was captured on an iPhone 11, a model that only became available in 2019. This, according to him, directly challenges the family’s timeline and undermines their claim that the photo dates back to 2016. He also noted that while Soo Hyun’s hat might resemble a 2016-era style, relying on accessories alone for dating images is unreliable, especially in the presence of technological evidence.
Continuing his campaign, Lee Jin Ho has consistently published videos that aim to dismantle the statements made by both Kim Sae Ron’s family and HoverLab CEO Kim Se Eui. He previously claimed that Sae Ron was married to an American man and released photos of her with other men. These actions are intended to suggest that both Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun were romantically involved with other individuals, thereby casting doubt on the timeline suggested by Sae Ron’s family.
Despite facing legal consequences, including a court order prohibiting him from discussing Kim Sae Ron publicly, Lee Jin Ho has persisted in posting videos. Earlier this year, a case was filed against him, and the court sided with Sae Ron’s family, instructing the YouTuber to cease making any related content. Nonetheless, Lee has continued to defy the ruling, actively sharing videos and updates through his channel in defiance of the imposed coverage ban.
Lee’s actions have sparked a broader debate around online ethics, privacy, and the boundaries of digital journalism. While he maintains that his mission is to uncover the truth and correct misinformation, critics argue that his continued defiance of legal rulings and the sensitive nature of his content raise serious ethical concerns. The controversy remains ongoing, with public opinion sharply divided over both the credibility of the claims and the conduct of the individuals involved.