The controversy surrounding South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun and his alleged relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron has taken another turn, with the actress's mother reportedly referred to prosecutors over alleged defamation.

Kim Soo Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, announced the development on Monday, Oct. 26, following an investigation into claims made against the actor and the materials circulated to support them.

According to the agency, investigators examined evidence related to allegations that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was underage. The investigation also scrutinized purported KakaoTalk conversations and voice recordings circulated during the controversy.

Gold Medalist said that the investigators found that the materials were fabricated or manipulated, including recordings allegedly generated using artificial intelligence (AI).

The latest development involves several individuals accused of participating in the spread of the disputed claims. In addition to Kim Sae Ron's mother, those referred to prosecutors reportedly include an individual accused of impersonating the actress's aunt, an attorney who represented the family, and a YouTube channel operator.

The referrals mark a significant development in the investigation, although the allegations against the individuals involved remain subject to legal proceedings.

In its Oct. 26 statement, Gold Medalist said investigators had referred individuals allegedly involved in spreading false information alongside Garosero Research Institute representative Kim Se Ui to prosecutors after examining the evidence.

Among those named were Kim Sae Ron's mother and an individual allegedly involved in impersonating the actress's aunt. According to the agency, both face allegations that include defamation through the dissemination of false information, the distribution of footage taken by camera, and attempted coercion.

The investigation report from Seoul's Gangnam Police Station reportedly identified the two individuals as suspects in the case. Kim Sae Ron's father, however, was not prosecuted, according to the information released about the investigation.

Gold Medalist expressed appreciation to the authorities for examining the extensive materials connected to the allegations. The agency said the investigation relied on objective evidence to establish the alleged offenses and identify those suspected of involvement.

The agency's statement emphasized the importance of examining the evidence behind the claims that circulated publicly. The findings described by Gold Medalist form part of the ongoing legal process, and any determination of criminal liability will depend on the relevant judicial proceedings.

The investigation has also extended to individuals who were not initially identified as suspects, according to Gold Medalist.

Attorney Bu Ji Seok, who represented Kim Sae Ron's family and led two press conferences concerning the allegations against Kim Soo Hyun, was reportedly referred to prosecutors. The charges cited by the agency include criminal defamation and defamation through the dissemination of false information.

Gold Medalist alleged that the press conferences relied on fabricated or manipulated materials, including purported KakaoTalk conversations and voice recordings said to feature Kim Sae Ron. Investigators reportedly examined the authenticity of these materials as part of the broader inquiry into the claims against the actor.

Kwon Young Chan, who operates the YouTube channel Kwon Young Chan TV, was also reportedly referred to prosecutors. According to Gold Medalist, he faces allegations under legislation concerning the distribution of footage taken by camera.

The developments indicate that the investigation has expanded beyond the original allegations against Kim Soo Hyun to examine people suspected of helping circulate the disputed material or participating in related activities.

However, the reported referrals should not be interpreted as convictions. The specific allegations against each individual will need to be addressed through the legal process.

The controversy gained widespread attention after Kim Se Ui repeatedly claimed during YouTube broadcasts, beginning in March 2025, that Kim Soo Hyun had dated Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor.

Kim Se Ui, who represents Garosero Research Institute, also alleged that the actor was responsible for the actress's death. He held press conferences on behalf of the bereaved family and circulated materials that he claimed supported the allegations.

Among the materials shared during the controversy were audio recordings said to contain Kim Sae Ron's voice and purported KakaoTalk conversations between the actress and Kim Soo Hyun. These claims prompted widespread public discussion and led to a police investigation into the allegations and the authenticity of the evidence being circulated.

The allegations concerning the actor's relationship with the late actress have remained at the center of the dispute. The subsequent investigation, however, has also focused on whether the materials presented as evidence were genuine.

According to information released by Gold Medalist, investigators determined that the purported voice recordings were generated using generative AI and that the KakaoTalk conversations were fabricated.

Kim Se Ui was arrested in May 2025 on allegations of spreading false information about Kim Soo Hyun. The latest referrals suggest that investigators have also examined the potential involvement of other individuals connected to the circulation of the disputed materials.

The claims made during the controversy, the authenticity of the evidence, and the conduct of the people involved have therefore become separate but interconnected aspects of the investigation.

Gold Medalist's Oct. 26 statement highlighted the work undertaken by investigators to review the evidence and identify individuals allegedly connected to the case.

The agency maintained that the investigation had examined extensive materials and objective evidence, including the recordings and messages circulated during the controversy. It also pointed to the reported findings concerning the use of AI-generated audio and fabricated conversations.

The case has drawn considerable attention because it involves allegations concerning a prominent South Korean actor, the death of a young actress, and the circulation of disputed digital evidence. The reported use of AI-generated audio has added another dimension to the controversy, raising questions about how manipulated content can influence public opinion and affect the reputations of those involved.

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