The family of the late Kim Sae-ron has taken a strong stance by filing a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho.
On the 17th, attorney Bujiseok (from the law firm Buyu), representing Kim Sae-ron's family, held a first press conference at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and stated, "We are initiating legal actions to protect the deceased's honor," as they submitted a complaint against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho.
"Defamation is close to murder," strong remarks
Attorney Bujiseok emphasized during the press conference, "Kim Sae-ron suffered extreme psychological pressure due to the videos posted by Lee Jin-ho during her lifetime."
He explained, "After receiving a certified mail, the deceased sent a text to Kim Soo-hyun saying 'Please save me,' but received no response," adding, "She thought that posting photos taken during their relationship on social media might prompt a response." However, the family claims that Lee Jin-ho portrayed Kim Sae-ron as a strange woman, calling it a 'self-made drama' and 'self-dating.'
Attorney Bujiseok stated, "While we are applying defamation charges, I believe that the actions are essentially close to murder," and added, "I hope that Lee Jin-ho's actions are sufficiently reflected in the sentencing and that severe punishment is imposed."
What is the reason for the lawsuit? "Psychological pressure that the deceased could not bear"
The family stated that Kim Sae-ron suffered greatly due to the false videos continuously produced by Lee Jin-ho since 2022.
In particular, they raised concerns about how Lee Jin-ho framed the deceased's posting of past photos with Kim Soo-hyun as manipulated behavior. The family claimed, "The deceased ultimately could not bear this and made an extreme choice," asserting that Lee Jin-ho's continuous video production and malicious framing drove her to this point.
Additionally, the family explained that Lee Jin-ho's decision to make related videos private after the deceased's death was seen as an 'attempt to destroy evidence,' which led to their decision to take legal action.
"This is just the first lawsuit... Additional legal actions are being prepared"
Attorney Bujiseok stated that this lawsuit is only a preliminary measure and that they are considering further legal actions.
He declared, "This lawsuit is just the beginning," and stated, "We will hold accountable those who have defamed the deceased and spread false information until the end."
Meanwhile, the late Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seoul on the 16th of last month. Following this, the Gaseyeon (Garo Sero Research Institute) claimed that Kim Sae-ron and actor Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship for six years, which sparked controversy. In response, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, acknowledged the past relationship but denied the rumors of dating during her minor years, stating, "They had already broken up three years ago."
It remains to be seen how the controversy surrounding the late Kim Sae-ron will unfold following this lawsuit.
[Kim Seung-hye, MK Sports Reporter]
