What happened?

On October 26, 2026, Gold Medalist, the agency of actor Kim Soo-hyun, said that several people accused of filing false reports and spreading false information about the late actress Kim Sae-ron and her family had been referred to the Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office without detention. The agency said the case is connected to Kim Se-ui, head of the Gaserose Research Institute, who was already indicted while in custody.

Who was referred?

According to the agency, the referred group includes Kim Sae-ron's mother and a person who impersonated her aunt. Lawyer Bu Ji-seok, who led two press conferences using materials the agency described as falsified, and YouTuber Kwon Young-chan were also sent to prosecutors. The agency said Kim Sae-ron's father was not referred.

| Person | Reported charges | |---|---| | Kim Sae-ron's mother and impersonator | Defamation by false statements, distribution of filmed material, attempted coercion | | Lawyer Bu Ji-seok | Criminal defamation, defamation by false statements | | YouTuber Kwon Young-chan | Distribution of filmed material |

What are the charges?

The agency cited violations of the Information and Communications Network Act for false defamation, the Special Act on Sexual Violence Crimes for distributing filmed material, and attempted coercion. These are the agency's claims as stated in its announcement; the charges have not been tested in court.

For international fans

Kim Sae-ron, who died in 2025, was a child actress known for her roles in Korean films and television. Kim Soo-hyun has been the subject of public disputes connected to her. Because these allegations come from both sides and are still being handled by authorities, readers should follow official court or prosecution updates for confirmed outcomes.