At a press conference on Monday, Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team announced plans to file a lawsuit against actress Kim Sae Ron’s relatives, including her aunt and family spokesperson, as well as members of the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, accusing them of defamation and violating South Korea’s information and communications law, according to local outlet Hankyung.

Through his agency Gold Medalist, Kim stated that the accused parties edited private messages and circulated false information with the intent to harm his reputation.

The actor grew emotional during the press conference as he denied the allegations and addressed the controversy publicly. He emphasized that he was not romantically involved with Kim Sae Ron when she was underage, nor did he ever pressure her to repay any debts.

Kim acknowledged that the two had dated and shared a positive relationship in the past, but noted they had little contact after their breakup.

“I was cowardly and selfish in denying our relationship,” he said, referring to his 2024 denial after Kim Sae Ron posted a photo of the two on social media. “I accept the fallout.”

He apologized to fans and supporters, expressing regret for the confusion caused. Kim also accused Kim Sae Ron’s family and the YouTube channel of coercion, saying they tried to force him to confess to things he did not do.

“They threatened me to admit to something that was not true,” he said. “But I did not lie, and I cannot admit to what I did not do.”

The scandal erupted on March 10 when Garo Sero Institute—also known as Hoverlab—aired an interview with a woman claiming to be Kim Sae Ron’s aunt. She alleged that the actress and Kim Soo Hyun had dated for six years, starting when Kim Sae Ron was just 15.

The late actress’ family later accused Kim Soo Hyun of demanding repayment of 700 million won (US$476,969), which they say contributed to her distress before her death. They claimed the money had been provided by Kim Soo Hyun and his agency Gold Medalist to help her manage the fallout from her 2022 DUI incident, which significantly harmed her career.

Gold Medalist has denied all allegations of underage dating, stating that the relationship occurred between mid-2019—after Kim Sae Ron became an adult—and late 2020. The agency also confirmed that it had filed legal action against Garo Sero Institute and the individual claiming to be Kim Sae Ron’s aunt.

Despite the denials, the controversy has severely impacted Kim Soo Hyun’s public image. He has lost major brand endorsements, seen a steep drop in social media followers, and reportedly relinquished his title as South Korea’s highest-paid actor.

Kim Soo Hyun, one of the nation’s top stars, is internationally recognized for his roles in hit dramas such as “Dream High,” “Moon Embracing the Sun,” “My Love from the Star,” “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” and “Queen of Tears.”

Kim Sae Ron was found dead in her Seoul home on Feb. 16. Authorities ruled out foul play, and her funeral was held on Feb. 19. She gained international acclaim with her role in the 2009 film “A Brand New Life,” becoming the youngest South Korean actress to attend the Cannes Film Festival. She was also the youngest nominee for Best Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

Her promising career, however, declined after her 2022 DUI scandal, which resulted in the loss of several roles and endorsement deals.