Advertisers File Civil Suits Against Kim Soo-hyun and His Agency

Kim Soo-hyun–Kim Sae-ron Underage-Dating Allegations and the Garo Sero Institute Legal Dispute

This issue tracks the public dispute and legal proceedings that followed the 2025 death of actress Kim Sae-ron, after her family and the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute alleged that actor Kim Soo-hyun had dated her while she was a minor. Kim Soo-hyun's side said the two had dated only after Kim Sae-ron became an adult and denied the allegation that their relationship began while she was a minor. Criminal complaints, civil lawsuits and investigations into recordings and messaging records presented during the dispute followed. Kim Se-ui, head of Garo Sero Institute, was later detained and indicted on charges including disseminating allegedly false information about Kim Soo-hyun. In 2026, police declined to refer Kim Soo-hyun for prosecution on alleged Child Welfare Act violations and false accusation due to insufficient evidence, after which he resumed official activities through overseas advertising and television appearances.

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