According to Korea Joongang Dailyattorney Bu Ji Seok of Law Firm Buyou, who represents Kim Sae Ron’s family, spoke outside the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on Monday, revealing that the family had discovered a second set of legal documents sent by Gold Medalist. The papers allegedly “threatened Kim Sae Ron that the agency will press charges if she tries to talk to Kim Soo Hyun again.”

“After Kim Soo Hyun’s agency sent the [first set of] formal papers [to Kim Sae Ron]she texted Kim Soo Hyun requesting to ‘let her live,’” Bu told reporters.

“Instead of replying to her text, Kim Soo Hyun sent a second set of papers.”

Bu explained that the second set of legal documents stated that it was “inevitable” for the agency to send Kim Sae Ron the first notice because it could be held liable for embezzlement if she failed to repay her debt.

“But it was still forcing her to pay in a certain amount of time,” he added. “The company also forbade her from talking to Kim Soo Hyun and other actors of the agency and said that the agency would take legal action against [Kim Sae Ron] for posting the picture.”

This second legal notice was sent on March 25, 2024, just one day after Kim Sae Ron posted a picture of herself with Kim Soo Hyun on her Instagram account. Her attorney claims she posted the image in an attempt to determine whether the actor was directly involved in the financial pressure she was experiencing.

The controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun’s past relationship with Kim Sae Ron began when the YouTube channel Hoverlab, also known as Garo Sero Institute, aired an interview on March 10 with a woman who identified herself as Kim Sae Ron’s aunt. During the interview, she alleged that Kim Soo Hyun had been romantically involved with Kim Sae Ron since she was 15.

Following this, Kim Sae Ron’s family claimed the two had a six-year relationship and alleged that Kim Soo Hyun later pressured her to repay 700 million won (US$481,626). According to the family, this financial burden contributed to her struggles before her death.

The disputed sum was allegedly provided by Kim Soo Hyun and Gold Medalist as compensation to help Kim Sae Ron manage the fallout from her 2022 DUI incident, which significantly impacted her career.

Kim Soo Hyun, 37, made his television debut in 2007 and has since become one of South Korea’s highest-paid actors. He gained international fame through hit dramas such as “Dream High,” “The Moon Embracing the Sun,” “My Love from the Star,” “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” and “Queen of Tears.” In addition to acting, he earns substantial income from endorsements.

Kim Sae Ron was found dead at her home in Seoul on Feb. 16 at the age of 25. Authorities ruled out foul play, and her funeral was held on Feb. 19.

She gained international recognition as the youngest South Korean actress to attend the Cannes Film Festival for her role in the 2009 film “A Brand New Life.” She was also the youngest nominee for Best Actress at South Korea’s prestigious Baeksang Awards.

However, her career suffered after her 2022 drunk driving incident, which led to the loss of multiple acting roles and endorsement deals.