Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Sae Ron Financial Ruin

Actor Kim Soo-hyun's legal representative, lawyer Ko Sang-rok, announced that they will demand astronomical damages from Kim Se-ui, the head of the Garo Sero Research Institute, in relation to Kim's arrest. Lawyer Ko emphasized that in addition to criminal punishment, civil damages should be sought to destroy Kim's economic foundation and prevent recurrence. He explained that if a significant amount of damages is recognized, Kim's assets would be insufficient to cover it, and he would have to live with astronomical debt for the rest of his life. He also added that damages resulting from illegal acts are not discharged or reduced in personal rehabilitation or bankruptcy proceedings.

Lawyer Ko appeared on MBC's 'News Today' on the 28th of last month and stated that the estimated damage from the case is 30 billion won. He mentioned the 12 billion won lawsuit for damages filed by Kim Soo-hyun's side against Kim previously, explaining that the actual damage currently calculated is much larger, even considering only the economic losses. Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, also expressed gratitude for the investigative authorities' efforts and stated that the truth has been proven.

Kim Se-ui has continuously raised suspicions through his YouTube channel that Kim Soo-hyun was involved in the death of the late Kim Sae-ron. In particular, at a press conference last year, he revealed KakaoTalk messages and voice recordings from Kim Sae-ron's phone, claiming that Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron when he was a minor. However, Kim Soo-hyun's side has refuted these claims, stating that the materials were fabricated.

The police determined that Kim Se-ui disseminated false information about Kim Soo-hyun for the purpose of YouTube revenue. They also concluded that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron did not date when they were minors, and that Kim Se-ui repeatedly distributed false information with the intent to defame, knowing that Kim Soo-hyun was not responsible for Kim Sae-ron's death.

On the 26th of last month, Kim Se-ui denied the charges during his warrant hearing at court. However, the Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for Kim on charges of violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, defamation, threats, and attempted coercion. The court cited fear of evidence tampering as the reason for issuing the warrant. Kim filed a request for a review of his detention on the 31st of last month, five days after his arrest, and the hearing is scheduled to take place on the afternoon of the 2nd.