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For almost a year, actor Kim Soo-hyun has been at the heart of a legal battle with YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (Gaseyeon) and the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron. Between accusations of a relationship with a minor, defamation and disputed evidence, the case has become one of the most sensitive in the K-drama industry.
According to the South Korean police, the investigation is now reaching its final phase. At a press briefing on January 26, 2026, the head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police said: «We are actively conducting the investigation, it is almost at an end and a conclusion will be issued shortly.»
Investigations are being carried out by the Gangnam and Seongdong police stations, and several sections are expected to be closed shortly. The case began on March 11, 2025, 23 days after Kim Sae-ron's death. Garosero asserted, based on statements attributed to the family, that the actress had had a 6-year relationship with Kim Soo-hyun from the age of 15. The network also refers to pressure to pay off debts following the young woman's drunken accident.
Faced with the extent of the controversy, the actor organized a press conference on March 31, 2025 and replied, «We only dated from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after she came of age.» His Gold Medalist agency then files a complaint against the family, a person claiming to be the actress's aunt and the channel operator for disseminating misleading information.
Seven complaints filed
A total of 7 criminal proceedings have been launched between the 2 camps. In particular, Kim Soo-hyun accuses Garosero :
- dissemination of images covered by the law on sexual violence; ;
- of threats ;
- defamation; ;
- harassment ;
- and slanderous denunciation.
The complaint related to sexual violence concerns the publication of a private photo showing the actor in his underwear in his kitchen, which his lawyers consider a serious attack on his dignity.
The actor also claims to have been publicly threatened: the channel reportedly announced live that a video about him would be broadcast if Disney+ didn't withdraw the broadcast of the drama «Knock-Off». In parallel, Kim Soo-hyun is claiming 12 billion won (around 120 million euros) in damages, considering that the case had caused him to stop all his professional activities.
In response, Garosero and Kim Sae-ron's family filed a complaint for violation of the Child Protection Act and defamation, claiming that the relationship began when the actress was a minor. The actor responded with a claim for slander.
A complaint targeting fans of the actor has already was dismissed by the police.
Allegations disputed to the end
A central element of the case concerns an audio recording submitted by the actress's family. Manipulation by artificial intelligence is highly probable. The National Forensic Service was unable to determine whether the file had been altered.
Kim Soo-hyun's lawyer, Kho Sang-rock, told The JoongAng newspaper: «The audio file is an edited version and, even if the technical expertise was unable to confirm any manipulation, we hope that the investigators will judge the case on the contradictions in the content.»
He also said, «We hope for a clear ruling that the key documents presented by the accusers are based on false information, and that the relationships the deceased actually allegedly had with other men during her minority will also be seriously examined.»
He continues: «The positions of the people involved are very opposed, but we are reinforcing the solidity of the investigation thanks to the evidence and testimonies. We will complete it quickly.»
After a year of media and legal controversy, the South Korean authorities may soon issue a ruling that could put an end to one of the most sensitive cases involving a K-drama star in recent years.
