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The South Korean entertainment industry has been shaken by scandal following the untimely demise of actress Kim Sae-ron. Reports on X (formerly known as Twitter) have emerged about a purported message allegedly sent by her to actor Kim Soo-hyun, stating,
"Oppa, it’ Saeron. I received a certified document. It says they are suing… They said they would give me enough time, so I am diligently preparing for my return. In every project, even if it is just a few percent, I will gradually pay it back step by step. I am not saying I won’t pay it back, but if they ask for 700 million won right now, I really cannot do it. It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s that I truly can’t. Do we really have to go as far as a lawsuit? Please save me… I am begging you, give me some time.”
The news fueled furor, with Kim Sae-ron's relatives accusing the actor and his agency of economic and legal pressures on the late actress.
Alleged message and financial dispute
A report alleged that Kim Sae-ron, on March 11, 2025, had forwarded a message from 2024 to Kim Soo-hyun requesting an extension of time for the payment of debt. There is heightened scrutiny against this, with the family of Kim Sae-ron now also coming out and talking about a money row with her agency.
As per the report on India Forums, Kim Sae-ron reportedly messaged Kim Soo-hyun on March 19, 2024, and stated, "Please save me… I am begging you, give me some time.” This reportedly concerned a debt of 700 million KRW (about $480,000) related to her 2022 DUI accident. When she was involved in the accident, her agency, Gold Medalist, paid the compensation fees but later demanded reimbursement, which added to her economic burden.
Kim Sae-ron's family has asserted that Gold Medalist first demanded more than 20 billion KRW (around $13.7 million) in fines, claiming that the agency pushed her to resolve the issue quickly. They contend that this financial pressure had a great impact on her health and mental state.
The actress herself had earlier complained about her financial struggles, showing challenges in making ends meet following her DUI case, which resulted in lost jobs and financial woes. Her aunt said the ongoing pressure from the agency only made things worse, raising ethical issues regarding agency contracts and how they treat struggling artists.
Gold Medalist's response
Gold Medalist has refuted all claims that Kim Soo-hyun personally had any financial issues with Kim Sae-ron. The agency denounced misinformation and threatened legal action against fake news. They reiterated that monetary transactions were done through normal contract agreements and that everything legal was in line with industry standards.
The agency went on to explain that although they paid for legal and compensation fees on Kim Sae-ron's behalf, repayment conditions had been mutually settled. They asserted that there was no demand for penalties beyond what was contractually required.
Reactions on social media
The scandal has generated debate about the pressures experienced by performers, including financial burdens and agency protection. The majority of fans and netizens have questioned how artists are being handled and asked if agencies are doing their best to take care of them in times of crisis. Others believe that financial accountability is warranted, especially when there are issues involving the law.
A number of industry commentators have also criticized the situation, and they opine that change must come in South Korea's entertainment sector in regard to contract agreements, management of artist funds, and mental health service networks. The scandal has uncovered the secret traumas of the celebrities and pushed for agencies to adopt a softer hand in nurturing their talents.
Ongoing investigations
As the investigations unfold, more light is likely to be shed in the days ahead. The case highlights the importance of open management styles, psychological advice, and reasonable contractual terms for the industry. Most anticipate reform that will provide greater protection for artists who find themselves in fiscal and legal woes.
As the furor happens, Kim Soo-hyun has said nothing on the issue, his agency claiming that he had no active role in the dispute over the money. As the tensions continue, the entertainment sector is coming under increasing pressure to address issues around artist welfare, honoring contracts, and business honor.
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