Controversy Surrounds Late Actress Kim Sae-ron Amid Cyber Attacks

The late actress Kim Sae-ron has become the center of a heated online controversy, with cyber bullies targeting her even after her passing. The uproar began with entertainment commentator Lee Jin-ho, who has previously attacked various celebrities, claiming that his allegations regarding Kim's financial struggles were intended to aid her return to the industry.

In response, Kim's family expressed outrage, accusing Lee of mocking them during their mourning period and stating that Kim had suffered while watching his videos. They announced plans to file a defamation lawsuit against him.

Adding to the chaos, another online group, Garoseoro Research Institute (가로세로연구소), claimed that Kim had been in a relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun from 2015 to 2021 when she was a minor. They released intimate photos and a controversial image of a man, presumed to be Kim Soo-hyun, washing dishes while partially undressed.

Kim Soo-hyun's representatives confirmed that while he did date Kim Sae-ron, it was after she turned 18, and they had already broken up four years before the rumors surfaced. They expressed a desire to communicate with Kim's mother but were met with further accusations from the family after the release of the compromising images.

Lee Jin-ho escalated the situation by alleging that Kim had married a non-celebrity boyfriend in the U.S. and had an abortion. He released audio recordings claiming to have spoken with a friend of Kim's who provided details about her alleged abuse by this boyfriend. In retaliation, he threatened legal action against Garoseoro and Kim's relatives for defamation.

In a poignant letter, Kim's mother expressed her grief, lamenting that she could not be by her daughter's side in her final moments and criticized the media for distorting Kim's image. She called for an end to the public's disrespect towards her daughter, who had already suffered enough.

The situation raises serious concerns about the ethics of the ongoing cyber attacks. While allegations of underage relationships are serious and warrant investigation, the release of explicit images constitutes a violation of privacy and could be seen as a form of victimization. Both Garoseoro and Lee Jin-ho have failed to provide substantial evidence for their claims, relying instead on hearsay from supposed relatives and friends. Their actions, framed as being in Kim's memory, appear more focused on gaining attention and increasing viewership rather than honoring her legacy. It is time to reconsider who truly benefits from this relentless cycle of online accusations.