Controversy Surrounds Kim Sae-ron's Alleged Relationship with Kim Soo-hyun

On May 7, 2025, a press conference was held in Seoul, where Kim Se-hee, the head of the YouTube channel 가로세로연구소 (Garoseoro Research Institute), revealed a recording allegedly featuring the late actress Kim Sae-ron. In the recording, a voice believed to be Kim Sae-ron claims to have been in a relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun since middle school, including intimate encounters. This revelation has sparked significant controversy, with YouTuber Lee Jin-ho countering that the recording was manipulated using AI, labeling it a 'national scam' orchestrated by Kim Se-hee.

During the press conference, attorney Bu Ji-seok, representing Kim Sae-ron's family, stated that the purpose of their previous press conference on March 27 was to provide evidence of the relationship to put an end to the ongoing controversy. He mentioned that the family sought an apology from Kim Soo-hyun but instead faced a lawsuit for approximately 12 billion KRW and a press conference where Kim Soo-hyun denied any relationship with the late actress during her minor years.

Bu Ji-seok emphasized that the family has been cooperating with investigations and providing all requested materials. However, he accused Kim Soo-hyun of repeatedly claiming that the evidence was fabricated, a sentiment echoed by Lee Jin-ho and other YouTubers without substantial proof.

The released recording features a woman, presumed to be Kim Sae-ron, stating, "I truly trust you. Please keep this a secret. I dated Soo-hyun oppa. You might think I'm crazy, but we started dating in middle school and broke up after entering college. I felt used since middle school." She also mentioned that her first intimate encounter occurred during her second year of middle school winter break, expressing regret over the situation.

Following the press conference, Lee Jin-ho held a rebuttal conference in a nearby room, asserting that the claims made by Kim Se-hee were unfounded and that the recording was fabricated. He described the individual at the center of the controversy as a con artist from New Jersey, who had attempted to extort money from both him and Kim Soo-hyun.

Lee Jin-ho recounted that he had received a tip about the situation on April 5 and later spoke with the alleged con artist, who claimed to have met Kim Sae-ron in November at a Korean bar in New Jersey. The con artist allegedly asked Kim Sae-ron for a loan of $4,500 and recorded a conversation where she supposedly spoke positively about Kim Soo-hyun.

After further investigation, Lee Jin-ho stated that the recording was found to be artificially generated using AI technology, with the con artist adding their voice to the mix. He claimed that this individual had also contacted Kim Soo-hyun's team, demanding a large sum of money.

Lee Jin-ho criticized Kim Se-hee for falling for the con artist's scheme, stating that the individual had manipulated various parties by creating recordings based on their desires. He also pointed out that the con artist had sent fake evidence, including easily searchable images, to support their claims.

In conclusion, Lee Jin-ho and his team presented evidence, including voice analysis reports, suggesting that the recording was indeed manipulated. The analysis indicated significant discrepancies in the audio, leading experts to believe it was edited.

As the press conferences concluded, Lee Jin-ho addressed claims that he was offered 10 billion KRW for the recording, stating that such assertions were absurd and that he had no financial involvement in the matter. He expressed his willingness to have the content verified by investigative authorities if deemed necessary.