The mother of late actor Kim Sae-ron and the bereaved family’s lawyer have been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of defaming actor Kim Soo-hyun, his agency said Monday.
Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, said the two were referred to the Public Prosecution Service without detention following police investigations into criminal complaints filed by the actor and the agency.
The dispute began in March 2025, when Kim Sae-ron’s family and the YouTube channel HoverLab alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had dated her while she was a minor. He acknowledged their past relationship but denied that it began when she was underage.
According to Gold Medalist, those referred include Kim Sae-ron’s mother and an individual accused of impersonating the late actor’s aunt.
The agency said the allegations against them include online defamation involving false information, unlawful distribution of photographic or video material, and attempted coercion. Kim Sae-ron’s father was not referred to prosecutors, it added.
Gold Medalist said lawyer Bu Ji-seok, who represents the bereaved family, and YouTuber Kweon Young-chan, who operates Kweon Young-chan TV, were also referred following separate police investigations.
Bu faces allegations of defamation under the Criminal Act and online defamation involving false information.
Kweon faces allegations of unlawfully distributing photographic or video material, according to the agency.
The agency alleged that Bu had led two press conferences using manipulated KakaoTalk messages and AI-generated voice recordings. It said investigators had determined that the materials were fabricated.
The referrals follow the earlier arrest and indictment of Kim Se-ui, the operator of HoverLab, in connection with the dispute, said Gold Medalist.
Kim Soo-hyun and the agency filed criminal complaints accusing the family and others of spreading false information, presenting fabricated evidence and distributing private images without consent.
shwang9@heraldcorp.com