Have you seen the latest press conference from HOVERLAB? What was already a sensitive controversy over an alleged underage relationship has now escalated into a deeply polarizing, media-driven battle. With yet another press conference dispute hosted by the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron, and an immediate counter-statement from Kim Soo Hyun agency, this case has only brought more public dispute, far beyond legal proceedings or truth-seeking on the relationship issue.
More than just an ordinary controversy, the issue has now turned into a real-life K-drama. Not only that but it has also resulted in more fandom arguments and public backlash. But the real question that everyone seems afraid to ask is: Who is this really for?
May 7 Kim Sae Ron Family Press Conference: New Dispute, Higher Stakes
On May 7, Kim Sae Ron’s bereaved family, accompanied by attorney Boo Ji Seok and HOVERLAB (Garosero) head Kim Se Eui, held a new press conference. During this event, they revealed what they claimed to be further evidence proving the relationship issue between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron. The evidence involved an audio recording of Kim Sae Ron, allegedly discussing her relationship issue with Kim Soo Hyun.
According to the lawyer, Kim Sae Ron spoke for over an hour to a whistleblower in the United States shortly before her death, confirming that she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo Hyun since middle school.
“I really did date Soo Hyun oppa. You probably think I’m making it up, but our relationship started when I was still in middle school and ended after I entered college.
The truth is, Soo Hyun oppa and the people at GOLDMEDALIST are terrifying. They’ll stop at nothing.
Looking back, I can’t shake the feeling that I was being used from the very beginning. I was his girlfriend, and he knows exactly how I was during those years. But after the accident, they made me out to be something I’m not.
And there’s something even worse. He once sent me a photo of himself with another girl while they were being intimate. Also, he said she smelled like seaweed and saved her name in his phone as ‘miyeok.’ He sent me that, too.
If things had been different for me, I would’ve gone public with all of this much earlier.”
Kim Sae Ron’s recording
The family also filed a criminal complaint against Kim Soo Hyun under the Child Welfare Act, citing the content of the audio as evidence of alleged coercion and misconduct while she was a minor.
“The first time we did it was during winter break when I was in 8th grade.
Even back then… I didn’t fully understand it. But looking back now, I can’t help but wonder—was I being taken advantage of?
Hardly anyone knew we were together when I was in middle school. But the few who did all reacted the same way. They looked at me like I was the problem. They asked why I wasn’t stopping him.”
Kim Sae Ron’s recording.
And yet, immediately after the press conference ended, more disputes against HOVERLAB and the family of Kim Sae Ron emerged from the agency of Kim Soo Hyun, raising more questions on this alleged relationship issue.
More Response from Kim Soo Hyun Agency on the Relationship Issue
Shortly after the press conference aired, GOLDMEDALIST released a full statement denying everything.
They claimed the audio file was not real. According to their statement, the voice was created using AI voice-cloning technology, and the whistleblower behind the file had previously tried to sell the recording to the company.
“The audio file presented by HOVERLAB is entirely fabricated. GOLDMEDALIST believes it was generated using AI or similar technology.
The individual behind the file previously approached us, claiming to have favorable recordings from Kim Sae Ron and demanding money. But we refused.
This person had no known contact with the late actress and later worked with HOVERLAB to release the manipulated audio. A technical analysis is underway; we will share the confirmed results.”
GOLDMEDALIST.
GOLDMEDALIST also addressed a photo shown during the press conference, which was said to prove the whistleblower’s attack. The agency called the image fake, sourced from a simple online search, and said it was being used to manipulate public perception.
“HOVERLAB claimed the audio file provider was attacked at the direction of GOLDMEDALIST or Attorney Kho Sang Rock, using a photo as evidence.
This claim is entirely baseless.
The so-called “attack photo” is a widely available image found online, and HOVERLAB is falsely presenting it as proof of violence.
GOLDMEDALIST
In the end, GOLDMEDALIST also confirmed they are now pursuing new criminal charges against HOVERLAB. Along with the previous defamation charges, they are also accusing them of violating Korea’s Anti-Stalking Law and cyber defamation statutes.
“HoverLab’s latest press conference is another act of fabrication and cyber defamation aimed at damaging actor Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation.
GOLDMEDALIST considers this a serious criminal act and will be filing additional charges under the Stalking Punishment Act and Information Network Defamation Law, working closely with authorities to ensure accountability.”
GOLDMEDALIST.
Kim Soo Hyun & Kim Sae Ron Alleged Relationship: A Public Issue That’s Losing Its Moral Compass
Now, if you think that this underage dating relationship issue between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron is getting more frustrating, you’re not alone. It’s been more than weeks since we’ve all been watching how the two sides throw evidence and accusations. And yet, nobody is convincing enough. In the end, you just don’t know what to believe.
With the press conference from HOVERLAB and the family of Kim Sae Ron and a statement from the agency of Kim Soo Hyun, the dispute has done nothing but confuse the public. Even among fans, the conversation has split in two. Some believe the recording. Others trust the forensic rebuttal.
But everyone can feel the same thing: this has moved far beyond a respectful discussion.
Because, really. Who’s all these for? Was it supposed to be about justice? Was it about protecting the memory of a young woman who’s gone too soon? Or was it only to prove a point?
Because today, all we’re seeing are only press conferences and statements that have been crafted like entertainment content. So-called evidence that contains more media value than factual clarity, and rebuttals that now fuel an endless loop of attention and speculations.
Today, this escalating issue has circulated in headlines, and the late Kim Sae Ron’s name is right in the middle of it. And that’s what makes this so difficult to watch.
Kim Sae Ron: The Person Everyone Talks About—But No One Can Hear Anymore
Kim Sae Ron is no longer here to speak for herself. And yet, her name, her voice, her past, and her image are being used, debated, and dissected—over and over again. What started as a case about her story is slowly becoming a fight between lawyers, platforms, and narratives.
If you’ve been watching this unfold as a fan of Kim Soo Hyun, of Kim Sae Ron, or simply as someone who once admired them both, you may feel caught in the middle of something increasingly chaotic.
And that’s only natural. Because when a legal case turns into press content, livestreamed to audiences and repeated through algorithms, it’s easy to lose sight of the one person who should have mattered most.
What’s worse is that in the midst of it all, the late Kim Sae Ron has become a name that’s constantly invoked—but rarely protected. She no longer has a voice in this battle. And while her family claims to speak in her memory, her name is now being placed in courtroom filings, press materials, and online fights that only escalate by the day.
Kim Soo Hyun & Kim Sae Ron Relationship Issue: Everyone’s Talking but Where’s the Clarity?
Moreover, just think about it. The latest press conference, along with the rebuttal statements from both sides of Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun, has only escalated the dispute into public drama. And let’s just be honest—who do you think this debate is helping?
All the evidence is circumstantial, and the investigation is still ongoing. However, the internet is already reacting faster than lightning. And every new statement has shaped public opinion before the legal process can do its job.
That’s what makes this dangerous. These public broadcasts—staged with emotional statements, sensational images, and polarizing language—don’t just bring exposure. They bring irreversible consequences, not just for Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation. It could also possibly damage memories of the late actress Kim Sae Ron.
And even when fans want to know what’s the real issue behind Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron underage dating relationship, this press conference and statement dispute only resulted in more fandom wars that’s full of speculation.
Where’s the Legal Clarity?
Kim Soo Hyun is already facing advertiser lawsuits, stalker-related charges, and corporate fallout from the controversy. Meanwhile, the family of Kim Sae Ron continues to maintain that they are only seeking an apology and the truth.
But as this legal standoff drags further into the spotlight, both sides are now entangled in accusations of manipulation, fabricated evidence, and criminal overreach. It’s no longer a question of who’s right—it’s a question of who’s not lying.
Therefore, what fans—and the public—need now is not another press conference. It’s verified forensic analysis and transparent legal proceedings. It’s time for both sides to bring the space for the justice system to operate without the pressure of trending hashtags and internet timelines.
Final Reflection: Who Is This All Really For?
As K-pop and K-drama fans, we are no strangers to controversy. But the Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron relationship issue has now turned into something far beyond that. It is now a media war where the stakes include not just careers, but the memory of someone who is no longer here to defend herself.
And so we return to the core question: who is this public dispute really for?
Does it help the investigation? Will this reveal the so-called truth? Will this be helping Kim Sae Ron’s legacy? Or is it simply spiraling into a cycle of exposure, retaliation, and irreversible damage?
Because in the end, the public doesn’t need another performance. All they need is the truth—quietly, clearly, and lawfully. And until then, perhaps silence would honor her more than another press conference.
Don’t you think so too? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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