The family of the late Kim Sae-ron has requested an apology from actor Kim Soo-hyun and has filed a lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho.
On the 17th, Bujiseok, a lawyer from the law firm Buyu representing Kim Sae-ron's family, appeared at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to submit a complaint against YouTuber A.
In a statement, Kim Sae-ron's family expressed their desire for severe punishment, stating, "Although we wish to proceed with a murder charge under Article 250, Clause 1 of the Criminal Act, which stipulates the death penalty, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for more than five years for murder, defamation does not fall under the methods of murder according to precedents. However, we hope that the false information spread by YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, which is causally related to the deceased's death, will be fully reflected in the sentencing."
The family explained that the reason for posting a photo with Kim Soo-hyun on March 24, 2024, was due to receiving a debt collection notice from Kim Soo-hyun's agency. They hoped that Kim Soo-hyun was not involved and tried to contact him, but received no response. They thought posting the photo might prompt a response. They accused YouTuber Lee Jin-ho of spreading false information that denied the past relationship between the deceased and Kim Soo-hyun, portraying the deceased in a negative light, and causing severe mental distress that led to the deceased's extreme decision.
The family stated, "We had to reveal the past relationship with Kim Soo-hyun to prove the falsehoods spread by YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, and we ask for understanding for having to disclose past photos." They also urged for a thorough investigation, claiming that Lee Jin-ho deleted past videos after the deceased's death, which they consider evidence destruction.
Regarding Kim Soo-hyun, the family initially hoped he would acknowledge the relationship to counter Lee Jin-ho's false claims. However, repeated false statements from Kim Soo-hyun's side have made it more difficult for the family, and they now seek a sincere apology.
The family revealed that after the first debt collection notice, the deceased sent a message to Kim Soo-hyun asking for help, but received no response. Instead, a second notice was sent through his agency, which included demands for debt repayment and threats of legal action for posting photos.
The family expressed their inability to fathom the mental anguish the deceased suffered from receiving such notices and questioned why Kim Soo-hyun's side is now publicly waiting for contact from the family. They are considering legal action against Kim Soo-hyun's side.
◆ Full Statement from Kim Sae-ron's Family
Statement
Article 250, Clause 1 of the Criminal Act stipulates that a person who commits murder shall be punished by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for more than five years.
Although we wish to proceed with a murder charge, defamation does not fall under the methods of murder according to precedents. However, we hope that the false information spread by YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, which is causally related to the deceased's death, will be fully reflected in the sentencing.
The reason for posting a photo with Kim Soo-hyun on March 24, 2024, was due to receiving a debt collection notice from Kim Soo-hyun's agency. We hoped that Kim Soo-hyun was not involved and tried to contact him, but received no response. We thought posting the photo might prompt a response. YouTuber Lee Jin-ho spread false information that denied the past relationship between the deceased and Kim Soo-hyun, portraying the deceased in a negative light, and causing severe mental distress that led to the deceased's extreme decision.
We had to reveal the past relationship with Kim Soo-hyun to prove the falsehoods spread by YouTuber Lee Jin-ho, and we ask for understanding for having to disclose past photos.
Regarding the investigation, YouTuber Lee Jin-ho deleted past videos after the deceased's death, which we consider evidence destruction, and we urge for a thorough investigation and arrest.
Next, regarding Kim Soo-hyun's side.
Initially, we hoped Kim Soo-hyun would acknowledge the relationship to counter Lee Jin-ho's false claims. However, repeated false statements from Kim Soo-hyun's side have made it more difficult for us, and we now seek a sincere apology.
After the first debt collection notice, the deceased sent a message to Kim Soo-hyun asking for help, but received no response. Instead, a second notice was sent through his agency, which included demands for debt repayment and threats of legal action for posting photos.
We cannot fathom the mental anguish the deceased suffered from receiving such notices and question why Kim Soo-hyun's side is now publicly waiting for contact from us.
We are considering legal action against Kim Soo-hyun's side.
Reporter Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia bella@tenasia.co.kr