The ongoing legal dispute involving actor Kim Soo Hyun and the late actress Kim Sae Ron’s family has taken another turn.
On October 26, 2026, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, announced that police had referred Kim Sae Ron’s mother and several other individuals to prosecutors following investigations into complaints filed by the actor and his agency.
The latest development concerns allegations surrounding claims that Kim Soo Hyun had been in a relationship with Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor.
The controversy began attracting widespread attention in March 2025, when the late actress’s family and the YouTube channel HoverLab made allegations about the relationship.
Kim Soo Hyun acknowledged that they had been in a relationship but denied that it began while she was underage.
Gold Medalist’s latest statement outlines the results of police investigations into allegations involving the dissemination of false information, defamation and other alleged offences.
The agency also addressed the legal status of individuals connected to the case, including the late actress’s mother, a lawyer representing the family and a YouTuber.
The announcement marks another significant development in a dispute that has involved competing claims, public statements and legal proceedings.
However, referral to prosecutors does not itself constitute a conviction, and the prosecution will determine whether to pursue charges further.
Kim Sae Ron’s Mother and Others Referred to Prosecutors
According to Gold Medalist, the late actress’s mother and an individual accused of impersonating Kim Sae Ron’s aunt have been referred to prosecutors following police investigations.
The agency said the allegations include defamation through false information, the distribution of certain recorded material and attempted coercion.
The agency also stated that a decision was made not to refer Kim Sae Ron’s father to prosecutors in connection with the relevant investigation.
In its October 26 statement, Gold Medalist explained that the latest developments followed the earlier arrest and indictment of Kim Se Ui, the representative of HoverLab, in a related case.
The agency alleged that other individuals had participated in activities involving the spread of false information.
The statement also named lawyer Bu Ji Seok, who represented the bereaved family, and Kwon Young Chan, operator of the YouTube channel Kwon Young Chan TV.
According to the agency, both were separately referred to prosecutors after police investigations.
Gold Medalist alleged that Bu had led press conferences using manipulated KakaoTalk messages and AI-generated voice recordings.
It said the lawyer faces allegations of defamation under the Criminal Act and online defamation involving false information.
Kwon, meanwhile, was referred over allegations relating to the distribution of recorded material.
These descriptions reflect the agency’s account of the investigations and the allegations involved.
The cases remain subject to the legal process, and referral to prosecutors does not mean that every allegation has been conclusively established in court.
Gold Medalist Responds to the Latest Legal Developments
In its official statement, Gold Medalist said it was sharing the results of multiple criminal complaints and accusations filed by Kim Soo Hyun and the company against members of Kim Sae Ron’s bereaved family and individuals allegedly connected to the case.
The agency expressed appreciation for the investigative authorities, stating that they had examined extensive materials and objective evidence.
It maintained that the investigations had identified individuals it believes were involved in the alleged offences.
The legal dispute has drawn considerable public attention since March 2025, when allegations about Kim Soo Hyun’s relationship with Kim Sae Ron became a major entertainment news story.
The actor’s side denied that the relationship began when she was a minor and subsequently pursued legal action over the allegations and materials circulated publicly.
The case has also involved disputes over the authenticity of messages and recordings presented during press conferences.
Gold Medalist has challenged the materials, while the broader dispute has continued through police investigations and related legal proceedings.
The distinction between police referral and a final legal judgment remains important.
After receiving a case from police, prosecutors review the evidence and decide whether to indict the individuals concerned.
Any eventual court proceedings would determine criminal liability where charges are brought.
As the case moves into its next stage, further updates may emerge regarding prosecutorial decisions and the progress of the related proceedings.
For now, Gold Medalist’s October 26 announcement provides the agency’s account of the latest investigative developments, while the legal process remains ongoing.
