The family of the late Kim Sae-ron has announced the assault on the informant who provided the recording, claiming it to be a "murder accomplice case."
On the afternoon of the 7th, the family held a press conference at a location in Gangnam, Seoul. Kim Se-hee, the representative of the YouTube channel Garo-Setro Research Institute, was also present at the scene.
On that day, the family revealed the contents of a phone call between the informant, who lives in New Jersey, USA, and the deceased. They emphasized that the conversation between Kim Sae-ron and the informant was conducted with mutual consent.
Kim Se-hee stated, "On January 10 of this year (U.S. time), the informant was assaulted by two assailants who came from Korea and China on May 1 (Korean time). He was stabbed nine times in the neck area. The family has requested that some of this information be made public today as the situation could escalate further."
He continued, "This is clearly a murder accomplice case. It is a planned crime, and I would like to inform you that the investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, not the New Jersey state police where the incident occurred."
Furthermore, Kim Se-hee stated, "There have been sightings of suspicious vehicles stalking around the house of Kim Sae-ron's aunt, in addition to threats to the informant's safety. We earnestly request police protection for the family and for Kim Se-hee."
Kim Se-hee emphasized, "The aunt also has children and family. The informant has family as well. The informant has received threatening phone calls. We will make the recordings public as soon as they are secured." He also mentioned that they received a death threat stating, "I know where your daughter and wife are and what they are doing. I will not let this go," and reported it to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.
Previously, the family held two press conferences on March 17 and 27. Regarding the incident involving the late Kim Sae-ron, who passed away in February, the family has mentioned the six-year relationship between Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun through the Garo-Setro Research Institute and is demanding an official apology from Kim Soo-hyun's side. The family insists that Kim Soo-hyun's side should acknowledge the fact that the deceased was in a relationship during her minor years.
Earlier, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, sent a first notice regarding the repayment of 700 million won for broadcasting penalties and accident compensation shortly after Kim Sae-ron's drunk driving incident. It is reported that the late Kim Sae-ron felt pressured and sought help from Kim Soo-hyun, who claimed they were in a relationship at that time. The family argues that although Kim Soo-hyun repaid the 700 million won through his agency, he later sent a notice, which is the reason for their stance. The family also claims that Lee Jin-ho from the YouTube channel "Entertainment Behind the President" has continuously harassed Kim Sae-ron through multiple videos.
In relation to this, Kim Soo-hyun's side initially denied the dating rumors but later stated that they had been in a relationship for about a year after Kim Sae-ron became an adult as the revelations continued. Subsequently, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference and stated, "I did not date her when she was a minor; we met after she became an adult," and added, "I cannot say that a lie is the truth due to coercion. I will prove it."
Meanwhile, the law firm LKB & Partners, which represents Kim Soo-hyun, has filed a defamation lawsuit against the family and an unidentified person who calls themselves "aunt," as well as Kim Se-hee from Garo-Setro Research Institute. They have also filed a lawsuit for damages amounting to 12 billion won.
Additionally, Kim Soo-hyun's side has reported Kim Se-hee for violating the stalking punishment law. In response, the investigative agency applied for a "temporary measure" ordering Kim Se-hee to cease stalking behavior on the 22nd of last month, and the Seoul Central District Court accepted the application and decided on the temporary measure.
