Family of Late Kim Sae-ron Reveals Messages with Kim Soo-hyun

연합뉴스 / 2025-03-27 16:00:32

▲ Bu Ji-seok, the legal representative of the bereaved family of the late Kim Sae-ron, presents related documents at a press conference at Space Share Gangnam Station Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on March 27, 2025. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 27 (Yonhap) -- The bereaved family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has released messages exchanged between her and actor Kim Soo-hyun, claiming they serve as evidence that the two were in a relationship when she was still a minor.

At a press conference in Gangnam, Seoul, on Thurday, Bu Ji-seok, a lawyer from the law firm Buyu representing the family, stated, "Kim Soo-hyun is lying, saying they only dated after she became an adult," and presented KakaoTalk messages from 2016 between the two.

▲ Actor Kim Soo-hyun (Yonhap)

The released messages contained exchanges such as "I miss you" and "I want to hold you," along with heart emojis. The family reconstructed the conversation based on the original messages while redacting personal information.

They also revealed a letter Kim Sae-ron had reportedly intended to send to Kim Soo-hyun. In the letter, written last year, she mentioned, "We have been together for about five to six years," and added, "You were my first love and my last love, so I hope you won’t avoid me."

She also referred to the dating rumors that arose when she posted pictures of the two on social media, explaining, "I uploaded the photos because I wanted to reach you," while apologizing for the incident.

Lawyer Bu stated, "At the time of the KakaoTalk conversation, Kim Sae-ron was 17 years old," and emphasized, "Even in the letter, she describes their relationship as lasting five to six years and refers to him as her first love."

When asked whether this constitutes proof of a romantic relationship, Bu responded, "If these messages do not count as evidence of dating a minor, then does that mean this was a case of 'grooming'?" referring to predatory behavior aimed at minors.

The legal team also announced plans for further legal action regarding the exposure of Kim Sae-ron's personal life.

"Youtuber Lee Jin-ho has been revealing Kim Sae-ron's private life," Bu stated, "and we plan to file a stalking complaint against him today on behalf of the bereaved family."

▲ Actress Kim Sae-ron appears for a sentencing trial at the Seoul Central District Court on April 5, 2023. (Yonhap)

However, regarding potential legal action against Kim Soo-hyun, Bu was cautious, saying, "The family does not wish for an endless debate over the truth beyond this press conference."