Is Kim Soo-hyun’s 700 Million KRW Claim Against Kim Sae-ron Justified?

The unfolding drama across Asia centers on allegations surrounding a six-year romantic entanglement between Kim Soo-hyun and late actress Kim Sae-ron, who was only 15 years old when it reportedly began. The situation has been exacerbated by Kim Soo-hyun’s purported demand for 700 million KRW (roughly 482, 000 USD) in repayment, which many observers believe played a significant role in pressuring Kim Sae-ron and contributing to her tragic demise.

Investigating the 700 Million KRW Debt

In the wake of these events, Korean internet users have begun examining the legitimacy of the 700 million KRW claim. Significantly, an individual involved in a previous DUI incident, akin to Kim Sae-ron’s, shared that he was only required to compensate 20 million KRW (approximately 14, 000 USD) for damages to an electric transformer, as drivers are generally not held accountable for profit losses from extended power outages due to insurance policies.

While some commenters speculated that the high figure could encompass penalties for broken contracts with advertisers and film productions, industry experts deemed this sum excessively high. Typically, contracts have rigorous limits on compensatory fees that make such amounts unlikely. Others proposed that the 700 million KRW might incorporate various contracts or specific penalty agreements. However, without clarity from those directly involved, the veracity of this considerable debt remains unclear.

The Loan and Debt Notification Controversy

According to the Garo Sero Institute, a woman claiming to be Kim Sae-ron’s aunt disclosed that Kim Soo-hyun provided her with a 700 million KRW loan post-accident, initially without requesting repayment. The aunt noted that Kim Sae-ron was resolute in her desire to repay her benefactor, despite the absence of a specific repayment date. The situation took a disturbing turn in 2024 when Kim Sae-ron received a formal debt notice demanding full repayment, leading her to anguish as she had already expended her finances on compensation. She expressed disbelief that Kim Soo-hyun himself could have sent such an ultimatum, attributing the decision to his cousin, Lee Sarang, a co-founder of Gold Medalist.

Amid her distress, Kim Sae-ron attempted to contact Kim Soo-hyun, but received no reply. Her cousin also sought to reach him, resulting only in further silence. In a revealing leak from Garo Sero, Kim Soo-hyun’s apparent indifference to Sae-ron’s plight was highlighted in a message she sent:

“Oppa, it’s me, Sae-ron. I received a certified debt notice, and they said they will take legal action against me. They told me they’ve already given me enough time, so I’m working hard on making a comeback and will pay back a percentage with each project. I’m not saying I won’t repay, but if you demand that I return 700 million KRW all at once right now, I simply can’t. It’s not that I don’t want to pay – it’s that I don’t have the means to do so at this moment. But do I really have to go through a lawsuit? Please, help me. Please give me more time.”

A call she later received from an unknown number—hoped to be from Kim Soo-hyun—was instead from a reporter inquiring about her identity. Additionally, during a livestream, a tape made during a call with Kim Sae-ron’s aunt revealed another shocking claim: Gold Medalist had allegedly demanded 20 billion KRW (approximately 13.8 million USD) from Kim Sae-ron following her scandal, far surpassing the 700 million KRW figure that was initially reported.

Kim Sae-ron’s Final Efforts and Online Criticism

Desperately seeking acknowledgment, Kim Sae-ron posted personal photos with Kim Soo-hyun on Instagram in an attempt to elicit a response. However, Gold Medalist was quick to refute the dating allegations, stating, “We do not understand her intentions.” This denial ignited a fierce backlash against Kim Sae-ron online, where she was branded as the “queen of manipulation” by enraged netizens.

At present, Gold Medalist has categorically denied all allegations made by Garo Sero Institute and has initiated legal proceedings. The unfolding scandal continues to stir significant division among internet users across Asia. If these allegations hold merit, Lee Sarang’s involvement might have driven Kim Sae-ron into deep financial trouble, while Kim Soo-hyun’s silence exacerbated her struggles, ultimately subjecting her to intense cyberbullying after her desperate posts.

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