The family of late South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron held a press conference today (May 7), releasing an explosive 1.5-hour audio recording that allegedly reveals a deeply troubling relationship with popular actor Kim Soo-hyun. The recording was shared via the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute hosted by Kim Se-yi, and has shaken the Korean entertainment industry.
According to Kim Se-yi, the conversation was consensually recorded on January 10, 2025. In the recording, Kim Sae-ron claimed Kim Soo-hyun initiated a relationship with her while she was still in middle school, used intimate photos to threaten her, and portrayed her as mentally unstable following her DUI incident.
The tape also alleges that an executive from Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Goldmedalist, attempted to purchase the recording for KRW 4 billion, with lawyer and influencer Lee Jin-ho also offering KRW 1 billion. After the whistleblower declined the offers, they were allegedly stabbed nine times by two assailants in the U.S. on May 1. The FBI is now investigating, and the whistleblower’s phone has been submitted for forensic analysis.
Additional shocking content from the recording includes claims that Kim Soo-hyun showed Kim Sae-ron private footage involving other female idols and labeled one idol as “smelling like seaweed,” allegedly tagging her as “seaweed” in his phone.
YouTuber Lee Jin-ho has since cast doubt on the authenticity of the recording, suggesting it may be AI-generated and alleging the whistleblower has a history of fraud. Meanwhile, Goldmedalist issued a legal statement insisting the recording is fabricated and that the individual tried and failed to extort the agency. The company has initiated technical verification and pledged to disclose results in due time.
