Kim Soo Hyun Case Update: Kim Sae Ron’s Mother and Others Referred to Prosecutors
South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has announced a new development in the legal dispute involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron and several people associated with allegations made about the actor. According to the agency’s statement on October 26, 2026, Kim Sae Ron’s mother and several other individuals have been referred to prosecutors following police investigations into complaints filed by Kim Soo Hyun and his agency.
The individuals reportedly include a person accused of impersonating Kim Sae Ron’s aunt, lawyer Bu Ji Seok, who represents the late actress’s family, and YouTuber Kwon Young Chan. The agency said the cases involve allegations that include defamation, attempted coercion and the distribution of filmed material allegedly covered by South Korean sexual-crime legislation.
Gold Medalist Announces Investigation Update
Gold Medalist said the latest referrals followed investigations into complaints and allegations involving the late actress’s family and other individuals. The agency stated that police had identified grounds for criminal charges against several people and forwarded their cases to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.
The announcement comes after the earlier arrest and indictment of Kim Se Ui, the operator of the YouTube channel HoverLab, also known as the Garosero Research Institute. Kim Se Ui had made public allegations concerning the nature and timing of the relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron.
The latest development represents a further stage in the legal dispute. However, referral to prosecutors does not by itself establish guilt. Prosecutors must assess the cases and determine the appropriate legal action under South Korean law.
Kim Sae Ron’s Mother Among Those Referred
According to Gold Medalist, Kim Sae Ron’s mother and an individual accused of impersonating the late actress’s aunt were among those referred to prosecutors. The agency said the allegations against these individuals include online defamation involving false information, attempted coercion and the alleged distribution of filmed material.
The agency also stated that police decided not to refer Kim Sae Ron’s father to prosecutors in connection with these complaints. This distinction is important because the investigation has not resulted in the same action against every member of the family.
The allegations and the police decisions have been described in statements from Kim Soo Hyun’s agency and media reports. The individuals concerned retain the right to respond through the legal process, and the allegations should not be treated as established facts unless confirmed through the relevant judicial proceedings.
Lawyer and YouTuber Also Referred
Gold Medalist said lawyer Bu Ji Seok, who represents Kim Sae Ron’s family, and YouTuber Kwon Young Chan were also referred to prosecutors following separate police investigations.
According to the agency, Bu faces allegations of defamation under South Korean criminal law and online defamation involving false information. Gold Medalist alleged that press conferences led by the lawyer used materials it described as manipulated, including KakaoTalk messages and voice recordings allegedly generated or altered using artificial intelligence.
The agency also said Kwon, who operates the YouTube channel Kwon Young Chan TV, was referred over an allegation involving the distribution of filmed material. These descriptions reflect the agency’s account of the investigation and the reported allegations. The final outcome will depend on the prosecution process and any subsequent court proceedings.
The use of digital messages, recordings and other online materials has become a significant part of the dispute. Questions about authenticity and the circulation of private material can carry legal consequences, but specific claims about individual evidence should be attributed to the relevant parties or investigative findings rather than presented without qualification.
Background to the Dispute
The controversy became widely known in March 2025, when allegations emerged that Kim Soo Hyun had been in a relationship with Kim Sae Ron when she was underage. Kim Soo Hyun acknowledged a past relationship with the late actress but denied that it began when she was a minor.
The allegations generated extensive public discussion and media coverage in South Korea. Kim Soo Hyun and his agency pursued legal action against people they accused of spreading false information and circulating material connected to the dispute.
The latest announcement from Gold Medalist concerns the outcome of police investigations into some of those complaints. It does not, on its own, settle every issue raised during the wider controversy or determine the truth of every statement made by the parties.
What Happens Next?
The referral of a case to prosecutors generally means that investigators have forwarded the matter for prosecutorial review. Prosecutors may examine the evidence, request additional investigative work where permitted, or decide whether to bring charges. Any eventual court process would assess the allegations and evidence according to the applicable law.
At this stage, the key confirmed development reported on October 26 is that Gold Medalist announced the referrals and outlined the allegations against several individuals. The agency also said that Kim Sae Ron’s father was not referred to prosecutors in these cases.
Further updates may follow if prosecutors announce formal decisions or if the individuals involved issue responses. Until then, reporting should clearly distinguish the agency’s statements, the reported police actions and any final legal findings.
The case continues to draw attention because it involves prominent entertainment figures, online allegations and disputes over the authenticity and circulation of digital material. The next significant development will depend on the decisions made by South Korean prosecutors and, if proceedings continue, the courts.
