Netizens are questioning whether Kim Sae-ron’s 700 million KRW debt to Kim Soo-hyun was truly justified.

The biggest controversy sweeping across Asia revolves around shocking claims that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a six-year relationship, starting when she was just 15. As if that weren’t enough, Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged demand for a 700 million KRW (approximately 482,000 USD) repayment has sparked outrage, with many believing it backed the late actress into a corner, leaving her with no way out.

The Questionable 700 Million KRW Debt

Korean netizens have recently begun scrutinizing the 700 million KRW figure, uncovering potential inconsistencies.

For example, a driver who previously crashed into an electric pole under similar circumstances to Kim Sae-ron’s DUI accident revealed that he was only required to pay 20 million KRW (approximately 14,000 USD) to replace the transformer. He explained that drivers are not liable for additional financial losses from power outages, as backup generators typically prevent significant disruptions. Additionally, any affected businesses or households cannot demand direct compensation, as insurance covers the necessary costs.

Some speculated that the 700 million KRW included penalties for breached advertising and film contracts. However, industry professionals argued that this amount seemed excessive, as film contracts generally have fixed compensation limits, making it unlikely that Kim Sae-ron’s penalties reached such a staggering sum.

Others suggested that the figure could represent an accumulation of multiple contracts or the inclusion of special penalty clauses. However, without direct insight from those involved, the true nature of this substantial debt remains uncertain.

The Loan and Debt Notice Controversy

Through Garo Sero Institute, a woman claiming to be Kim Sae-ron’s aunt revealed that after the actress’s DUI scandal, Kim Soo-hyun lent her 700 million KRW to cover compensation payments without initially demanding repayment.

According to her aunt, Kim Sae-ron was determined to work hard and repay him, even though he had not set a deadline. However, in 2024, she was suddenly served with a debt certification notice demanding the full amount. Devastated, she broke down in tears, as she had already spent all her money on compensation and had nothing left. She reportedly did not believe that Kim Soo-hyun himself had sent the notice and instead suspected his cousin, Lee Sarang (co-founder of Gold Medalist) of being responsible.

Desperate for answers, Kim Sae-ron tried calling Kim Soo-hyun, but he never picked up. Her cousin also attempted to contact him, only to receive silence. The leaked message revealed by Garo Sero fully exposed Kim Soo-hyun’s indifference, shedding light on his apparent disregard for Kim Sae-ron’s desperate pleas.

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“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.”

Later, she received a call from an unknown number, hoping it was a response from Kim Soo-hyun, but it turned out to be a reporter asking if she was Kim Sae-ron.

Also, during the livestream on March 11, Garo Sero played a recording of a phone conversation with Kim Sae-ron’s aunt. In it, she made an astonishing claim. Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, demanded 20 billion KRW (approximately 13.8 million USD) from Kim Sae-ron after her scandal broke out, not just 700 million KRW as reported.

Kim Sae-ron’s Last Attempt And Online Backlash

Feeling helpless, Kim Sae-ron uploaded intimate photos with Kim Soo-hyun on Instagram, hoping to force him to respond. However, instead of acknowledging her, Gold Medalist swiftly denied the dating rumors, stating, “We do not understand her intentions.” This response only fueled the backlash against Kim Sae-ron, leading to a wave of online attacks, with netizens branding her the “queen of manipulation.”

Currently, Gold Medalist has denied all allegations made by Garo Sero Institute and has announced legal action. However, the controversy continues to divide netizens across Asia. If the claims are true, then Lee Sarang played a direct role in pushing Kim Sae-ron into a financial crisis by demanding repayment, while Kim Soo-hyun’s silence only worsened the situation, ultimately leaving the late actress to endure severe cyberbullying after posting the photos.

Dispatch Raises Doubts Over Gold Medalist’s Claims Regarding Kim Sae Ron’s Debt

On February 16, 2025—coincidentally Kim Soo Hyun’s birthday—Kim Sae Ron tragically passed away. In the aftermath, Dispatch reached out to Gold Medalist to clarify details surrounding the financial burden she faced.

Gold Medalist: The production team behind “Bloodhounds” sought 700 million KRW in damages due to her DUI incident. Our company covered the payment on her behalf.

Dispatch: Why, then, did you issue a formal repayment notice?

Gold Medalist: We never expected to receive repayment from Kim Sae Ron. We assumed it wouldn’t be possible. The notice was simply a procedural step to prevent any potential legal issues, such as allegations of corporate misconduct.

Dispatch: Did you inform her that the notice was just a formality?

Gold Medalist: From our understanding, her manager explained the situation at the time. The documentation was necessary for company records.

Dispatch: Yet, Kim Sae Ron appeared extremely distressed after receiving it.

Gold Medalist: She was aware that we had covered the costs. We understood she wouldn’t be able to repay such a large amount. We told her she could settle the debt if and when she earned enough income.

However, Dispatch found discrepancies between Gold Medalist’s statements and Kim Sae Ron’s apparent response. Based on her actions, it seems she felt immense pressure from the notice, suggesting she may not have been reassured that it was merely procedural.

Dispatch: How much of the compensation did Kim Sae Ron personally cover?

Gold Medalist: Her car from the accident was sold as a used vehicle rather than repaired, fetching about 35 million KRW. Beyond that, we did not receive any additional payments from her.

Lastest Update About Kim Sae-ron’s Debt

On March 12, it was revealed that the 668.64 million KRW (approximately 461,010 USD) damage claim filed by Gold Medalist, established by Kim Soo-hyun, against the late Kim Sae-ron was related to a breach of contract for the Netflix drama “Hunting Dogs,” not her drunk driving accident.According to an agreement made on November 22, 2022, Kim Sae-ron owed 668.64 million KRW for unpaid advertisement and drama appearance fees, with repayment due by December 31, 2023. The agency also agreed to sell Kim Sae-ron’s Range Rover Defender to cover the cost.

Gold Medalist hired LKB & PARTNERS, who sent a legal notice on March 15, 2023, demanding repayment and warning that failure to comply would result in legal action. The law firm stated, “You (the late Kim Sae-ron) have failed to repay the loan despite the repayment due date having passed. We urge you to deposit the full amount into the account provided as soon as possible.” They further warned, “If the payment is not made, we will take both civil and criminal legal action against you.”

While initially thought to be related to the drunk driving incident, the claim was actually tied to “Hunting Dogs,” where Kim Sae-ron’s role was minimized following the accident. Director Kim Ju-hwan said, “Kim Sae-ron was originally a key cast member, but after the incident, her scenes were edited down, causing resentment among other actors.”

In response to the legal notice, Kim Sae-ron messaged Kim Soo-hyun on March 24, 2023, saying, “I received the legal notice. They said they would sue me. They said they would give me some time, so I’ve been preparing for my comeback. I will gradually repay a percentage with each project. I’m not refusing to pay, but if they demand the full 7 billion KRW now, I really can’t do it. I can’t do it, but I’m not refusing. Do we really have to go to court? Please help me. Please give me some time.” It was reported that Kim Soo-hyun did not respond to her message.

Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron were involved in dating rumors, with Kim Sae-ron’s family claiming they had been in a relationship since she was 15. The family revealed in an interview with GaroSero, “Kim Sae-ron worked hard to establish Gold Medalist without receiving any payment.”

Gold Medalist denied these claims, stating that the allegations of a relationship and mishandling the drunk driving incident were false, and warned of legal action against these accusations.