Just when we thought that it was the DUI debt that got Kim Sae Ron to make such extreme decision, more facts revealed about the harsh truth of her financial struggles. The previous debt issue that Kim Sae Ron must deal with GOLDMEDALIST, the agency co-owned by Kim Soo Hyun, was apparently NOT about her DUI settlement duty. Instead, it was all related to advertising and contract penalties. And despite her helpless and continuous plea, both Kim Soo Hyun and GOLDMEDALIST did not grant her leniency at all.
Here’s the truth behind Kim Sae Ron “Bloodhounds” debt issue with GOLDMEDALIST.
The Shocking Reality Behind Kim Sae Ron Debt Issue to GOLDMEDALIST
For months, the public believed that the debt controversy surrounding actress Kim Sae Ron was tied to the financial repercussions of her drunk driving incident. However, recent findings have revealed a different truth. And this will further raise questions about contract penalties, industry relationships, and how agencies handle their artists.
Kim Sae Ron’s former agency, GOLDMEDALIST, which is notably co-owned by top Hallyu star Kim Soo Hyun, is demanding nearly 700 million KRW (approx. $510,000) from the late actress. But surprisingly, this debt has nothing to do with her DUI accident. Instead, the hefty sum of this debut issue comes from penalty fees related to Kim Sae Ron role in the Netflix drama “Bloodhounds.”
Even after repeated pleas for more time and flexibility, GOLDMEDALIST and Kim Soo Hyun showed no leniency. This development then sparked debates across the whole entertainment community, especially knowing that Kim Sae Ron is the second actress signed under the company after Kim Soo Hyun – who was the co-founder at the time. She was the agency’s original artist who helped GOLDMEDALIST grow.
Kim Sae Ron “Bloodhounds” Debt Issue: What Really Happened?
Kim Sae Ron was once a promising young actress, widely known for her roles in “The Man from Nowhere” and several high-profile dramas. However, her career took a major hit in May 2022 when she was caught drunk driving, causing property damage and facing public backlash.
Many assumed that the debt issue Kim Sae Ron later faced was due to covering damages from the accident. However, official documents now confirm that Kim Sae Ron had already paid for the DUI-related damages on her own.
The real financial burden came from contract penalties related to her casting in Netflix’s “Bloodhounds.”
The “Bloodhounds” Penalty: How Kim Sae Ron’s Career Unraveled
In early 2022, Kim Sae Ron was cast as a lead in “Bloodhounds,” a highly anticipated Netflix action series. But after her DUI incident in May 2022, the production team was forced to drastically reduce her screen time. This then led to major edits and unexpected costs.
“Kim Sae Ron originally had a significant role in the series. Some actors ended up losing their screen time because of the necessary edits. It was unfortunate.”
“Bloodhounds” director Jason Kim (Kim Joo Hwan).
As a result, GOLDMEDALIST determined that Kim Sae Ron owed them 680—nearly 700 million KRW—a sum that reportedly included advertising penalties and contract damages tied to “Bloodhounds.”
A signed agreement from November 22, 2022, confirms that Kim Sae Ron acknowledged this debt and agreed to repay it by December 31, 2023.
However, despite her efforts to resume work and gradually settle the amount, GOLDMEDALIST took legal action against her in early 2023.
On March 15, 2023, Gold Medalist hired the law firm LKB & Partners as their legal representative and sent a certified demand letter to Kim, urging her to repay the 680 million KRW. LKB & Partners is also recognized for representing the National Assembly in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment case.
“Although the payment deadline, you (Kim Sae-ron) have failed to settle the outstanding amount. Our law firm, acting on behalf of our client (Gold Medalist), urges you to deposit the full amount into the designated account as soon as possible.
If you fail to make the payment, our client will proceed with civil and criminal legal action against you.”
LKB & Partners.
Kim Sae Ron’s Desperate Plea – and Kim Soo Hyun’s Silence
On March 24, 2023, after receiving a legal notice demanding repayment, Kim Sae Ron personally reached out to Kim Soo Hyun, her former agency head.
In an emotional text message, she pleaded to Kim Soo Hyun. At the time, Kim Sae Ron was reportedly in a dating relationship with Kim Soo Hyun, who was the co-owner of GOLDMEDALIST:
“I received the legal notice. They said they’re going to sue me. They initially told me they’d give me enough time, so I’ve been working hard to prepare for my comeback. I planned to repay the debt gradually, little by little, with earnings from each project.
I’m not saying I won’t pay. But if they demand the entire 700 million KRW all at once, it’s just impossible for me. It’s not that I don’t want to pay; I can’t. Does it really have to go to court? Please, help me. Give me more time.”
Kim Sae Ron.
Yet, despite her desperation, Kim Soo Hyun never responded.
Won Bin Reportedly Offered to Help Kim Sae Ron’s “Bloodhounds” Debt Issue
As news of Kim Sae Ron’s financial struggles spread, a surprising revelation surfaced—veteran actor Won Bin reportedly considered paying off her 700 million KRW debt.
Won Bin, who starred alongside Kim Sae Ron in the 2010 film “The Man from Nowhere,” was known to have treated her like a younger sister during their time working together. Kim had once expressed her admiration for Won Bin, writing in an old Cyworld post, “Thank you, Won Bin ahjussi. I will grow up to be a good person like you.”
According to an online comment that gained traction, Won Bin was aware of Kim Sae Ron’s financial struggles and was willing to help her pay off the debt. However, before any intervention could take place, GOLDMEDALIST continued to pressure Kim for immediate repayment, leaving her with no options.
The revelation of Won Bin’s possible support has further fueled criticism against Kim Soo Hyun and GOLDMEDALIST, as many believe they could have handled the situation with more compassion.
What This Means for the K-Entertainment Industry
The Kim Sae Ron debt issue raises important concerns about the harsh realities of the entertainment industry:
- Are agencies too quick to demand repayment from struggling artists?
- Should contract penalties be more flexible, especially for young actors?
- What role should major industry figures like Kim Soo Hyun play in supporting their former colleagues?
For investors and entertainment insiders, this case highlights the financial risks associated with high-profile talent management. When an actor is involved in controversy, sponsorship and production losses can be severe—leading agencies to enforce strict financial penalties. However, the way these penalties are handled can significantly impact public perception and industry reputation.
A Tragic Ending with Lingering Questions
Finally, Kim Sae Ron’s story will forever remain as a crucial lesson on how one mistake can lead to career-ending financial burdens. While she took responsibility for her DUI, the rigid financial penalties imposed on her by GOLDMEDALIST left her with no escape.
Even in her final days, she fought to repay her debts, but the agency’s unwavering stance and Kim Soo Hyun’s silence ultimately left her with no way forward.
So, this brings us to the questions: will the K-entertainment industry eventually reconsider the system on how to handle financial penalties for struggling artists?
What do you think about Kim Sae Ron “Bloodhounds” debt issue with GOLDMEDALIST? Please share your thoughts in the comment.
Join us on Kpoppost’s Instagram, Threads, Facebook, X, Telegram channel, WhatsApp Channel and Discord server for discussions. And follow Kpoppost’s Google News for more Korean entertainment news and updates. You can also join our exclusive membership. You might be able to join our upcoming exclusive community events and win exciting prizes!
