In a strongly worded statement released on May 23, Kim Soo-hyun’s legal representative, attorney Go Sang-rok, has called on the public to allow the actor to move forward with his life, describing him as “merely a victim of crime” following the conclusion of a high-profile investigation.

The plea comes after the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office requested an arrest warrant on May 20 for controversial YouTuber Kim Se-ui (operator of the Garo Sero Institute channel) on charges related to distributing illegal materials under South Korea’s sexual violence laws and defamation.

According to reports, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station included in its warrant request that Kim Se-ui allegedly knew there was no evidence supporting claims that Kim Soo-hyun dated the late Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor, nor that the actor was responsible for her death. Despite this, he is accused of spreading false information with the intent to defame the star.

Attorney Go emphasized that Kim Soo-hyun’s team intentionally avoided responding to every online allegation to prevent further escalation. He stated that now that the lengthy investigation has confirmed the actor’s victimization, society should help him “return to his original place” as quickly as possible. Go added that uncovering crimes, punishing offenders, and protecting victims is the responsibility of the state, while the public should focus on supporting victims’ recovery and normal lives.

Background of the Controversy

The scandal began in March 2024 when Kim Sae-ron briefly uploaded and then deleted a photo with Kim Soo-hyun on social media, sparking dating rumors. At the time, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, firmly denied the claims, calling them groundless.

Following Kim Sae-ron’s tragic death in February 2025, her family and the Garo Sero Institute held multiple broadcasts and press conferences alleging a six-year romantic relationship between the actress and Kim Soo-hyun, beginning when she was still in middle school. They released alleged KakaoTalk conversations, audio recordings, and private photos as evidence.

On March 31, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference to personally address the allegations. He strongly denied dating Kim Sae-ron as a minor and claimed that some of the evidence presented had been manipulated or fabricated.

The case has drawn intense public attention due to the involvement of two high-profile figures and the sensitive nature of the allegations surrounding Kim Sae-ron’s death. Kim Soo-hyun, known for his roles in hits like My Love from the Star, The Moon Embracing the Sun, and Queen of Tears, has maintained a relatively clean public image throughout his career. The rumors caused significant emotional distress for him and his supporters.

Renewed Tension with Sulli’s Brother

The latest development has also reignited discussions involving the late actress Sulli. Sulli’s brother, Choi Gun-hee, has been vocal about alleged pressures Sulli faced during the filming of the 2017 movie Real, in which she appeared alongside Kim Soo-hyun. Choi has repeatedly demanded explanations regarding intimate scenes Sulli allegedly felt forced to perform.

In a recent social media post, Choi claimed to possess a 37-minute audio recording from a call with Sulli’s former manager that allegedly mentions Kim Soo-hyun, IU, Lee Sarang, a psychiatric hospital, SM Entertainment, and private details about Sulli’s life. He stated he has been holding back for his mother’s sake but warned that if Kim Soo-hyun “dares show his face again, round two will officially begin.”

When asked who he was referring to, Choi replied cryptically: “It’s that person from the stars over there,” widely interpreted as a reference to My Love from the Star.

Public and Industry Reactions

The ongoing saga has divided public opinion. Some netizens support Choi Gun-hee’s calls for transparency, viewing them as advocacy for his late sister. Others criticize the repeated allegations as harmful and lacking concrete proof, urging an end to the public speculation that continues to affect living individuals.

Kim Soo-hyun’s agency has welcomed the prosecutors’ actions against Kim Se-ui, stating that the actor has suffered significant reputational damage and emotional distress. They emphasized that the case is about upholding truth and decency in public discourse.

The tragedy of Kim Sae-ron’s death continues to weigh heavily on the industry. Many have called for better mental health support for young actors and more responsible reporting practices when covering sensitive personal stories.

Broader Implications

This case highlights growing concerns in South Korea about the spread of misinformation, the misuse of AI in creating fabricated content, and the intense scrutiny faced by public figures. The country has been tightening regulations around deepfakes and manipulated media, especially when they involve vulnerable topics like suicide and mental health.

Legal experts note that if the allegations of AI manipulation are proven, this case could set an important precedent for how such technology is regulated in the entertainment industry.

As the May 26 court hearing for Kim Se-ui’s arrest warrant approaches, and with Choi Gun-hee hinting at releasing the 37-minute recording, the entertainment industry and public alike are watching closely. Whether the audio file contains new, verifiable information or simply rehashes old claims remains to be seen.

For now, Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team is urging the public to allow the actor to heal and return to his work. In a statement that reflects the human cost behind the headlines, attorney Go Sang-rok reminded everyone that behind every viral rumor are real people whose lives can be profoundly affected.

The story serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of verification, compassion, and accountability in the digital age. As the legal process continues, the hope remains that truth will prevail and all parties involved can find some measure of peace.