Latest news with #LKB&Partners
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kim Soo Hyun escalates legal battle against late Kim Sae Ron's family: 'This is a clear and serious case of false accusation'
The well-known South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun has filed a second lawsuit and criminal complaint against the family of late actress Kim Sae Ron and the popular social media personality Kim Se Ui, citing fabricated claims, falsified evidence, and AI-generated audio manipulation. The legal action follows a press conference held on May 7, where Kim Se Ui played a voice recording allegedly featuring Kim Sae Ron claiming she dated Soo Hyun while still in middle school. AI deepfake audio and alleged bribery claims Kim's legal team at LKB & Partners responded forcefully: 'Kim Se Ui and the late Kim Sae Ron's family went beyond merely spreading false information based on a forged audio file. They even filed a criminal complaint against actor Kim Soo Hyun, accusing him of false charges and violations of the Child Welfare Act. This is a clear and serious case of false accusation.' via Koreaboo The audio clip, which Kim's team asserts was created using AI deep voice technology, included lines such as: 'The first time [we had sex] was around the winter break of my second year in middle school.' Alleged voice of Kim Sae Ron, played by Kim Se Ui Kim Se Ui further alleged that Soo Hyun offered 4 billion KRW which is 2.91 million dollars USD to suppress the file and later assaulted the whistleblower when the offer was refused. Kim's lawyers have denied all claims, calling them 'absurd and baseless lies' and emphasizing the criminal severity of submitting forged digital evidence. Timeline of the controversy It started in February 2025, Kim Sae Ron dies by suicide, triggering public scrutiny of her past relationship with Kim Soo Hyun. Then in March 2025, the photos leaked and KakaoTalk messages surfaced, allegedly showing a relationship when Sae Ron was underage. Then in April–May 2025, Kim's agency confirms a brief relationship but insists it began after Sae Ron turned 18. On May 7, 2025: Kim Se Ui's press conference introduces AI-generated audio and assault allegations and on June 23, 2025, Kim Soo Hyun files new lawsuits for defamation, coercion, and violation of sexual crimes law. Career fallout and asset seizures The scandal has severely impacted Kim Soo Hyun's career with multiple brand endorsements cancelled, projects shelved or postponed and one luxury apartment provisionally seized due to advertiser lawsuits totaling 3.3 billion KRW Despite selling one of his Galleria Foret apartments for ₩8 billion KRW, Kim's team insists the sale was pre-planned and not financially motivated by the lawsuits. Whistleblower's credibility in question The whistleblower, known as Mr. A, later admitted to fabricating the audio using AI and sourcing injury photos from the internet. He claimed his wife caused 'misunderstandings' and that he sent the fake file to avoid being seen as a 'spy.' Forensic experts confirmed the audio was artificially generated.
Pink Villa
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
'Absurd lies': Kim Soo Hyun sues Garosero, Kim Sae Ron's family AGAIN after 12 billion KRW lawsuit over AI audio
Actor Kim Soo Hyun has taken decisive legal action once again. He filed a new criminal complaint and lawsuit against YouTuber Kim Se Ui (operator of Garosero Institute) and the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron. The complaint was confirmed by Kim's legal representation on June 23. It cites the dissemination of false information and submission of fabricated evidence. In a formal statement issued by L.K.B & Partners, the team revealed the reason behind the latest round of legal filings. According to them, the action was prompted by what they described as 'absurd and baseless lies' deliberately aimed at damaging the actor's reputation. May 7 press conference The new complaint zeroes in on a press event hosted by Kim Se Ui on May 7. During this press conference, Kim Se Ui played an audio clip he presented as a recording of the late actress Kim Sae Ron. According to him, the clip was proof that she and Kim Soo Hyun had been romantically involved since their teenage years. Kim Se Ui further accused Kim Soo Hyun of offering a massive sum (4 billion KRW) to suppress the audio recording. He also alleged that the whistleblower who refused the offer was physically assaulted by individuals acting on behalf of the actor. These claims have now become the focal point of the actor's legal response. Kim's legal team denounces allegations Kim Soo Hyun's legal representatives have strongly denied all accusations. They assert that the audio file played during the press conference was not an authentic recording. Instead, it was a file generated using advanced AI deepfake voice technology. This, they argued, constitutes a deliberate attempt to frame Kim Soo Hyun using forged digital evidence. The statement from L.K.B & Partners emphasized the seriousness of the situation. 'Kim Se Ui and the late Kim Sae Ron's family went beyond merely spreading false information based on a forged audio file. They even filed a criminal complaint against actor Kim Soo Hyun, accusing him of false charges and violations of the Child Welfare Act. This is a clear and serious case of false accusation,' they said. In closing, LKB & Partners emphasized that their legal pursuit is not about retaliation but about holding accountable those who weaponize misinformation. Previous legal actions This latest legal filing is not Kim Soo Hyun's first response to the controversy. Earlier, the actor filed a civil lawsuit seeking 12 billion KRW (approximately 8.74 million USD) in damages. That filing included claims under defamation and the Sexual Crimes Special Act.
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kim Soo Hyun files additional lawsuit against Kim Sae Ron's family: All about actor's bombshell claims
Actor Kim Soo Hyun has filed an additional lawsuit and criminal complaint against Garo Sero Research Institute operator Kim Se Ui and the family of the late actor Kim Sae Ron, as per a report by Koreaboo. He was already pursuing a defamation and false accusation case against Kim Sae Ron's family. File photo of Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron(Gold Medalist, Netflix) According to the report published on June 23, the My Love From Another Star actor's legal representatives at LKB & Partners issued an official statement confirming that both the actor and his agency, Gold Medalist, had lodged further complaints. These new charges reportedly stemmed from claims made by Kim Se Ui during a press conference held on May 7. At the press event, Kim Se Ui reportedly played what he claimed was a voice recording of the late Kim Sae Ron, which he said proved a romantic relationship between the deceased actor and Soo Hyun that allegedly began while she was still in middle school. Se Ui also claimed that Soo Hyun offered ₩4.00 billion KRW (approximately $2.91 million USD) to suppress the audio and later resorted to assault when the offer was allegedly refused. He further accused the actor of violating the Child Welfare Act – an extremely serious criminal charge in South Korea, as noted in the report. However, the counsel for the It's Okay to Not Be Okay star countered that the recording was created using AI deep voice technology and is entirely fabricated. In their statement, they said Kim Se Ui and Kim Sae Ron's family went beyond spreading false information, filing a criminal complaint based on forged evidence. Labeling it a 'serious case of false accusation,' they stated they intend to hold both parties 'fully accountable.' They further claimed that the parties breached legal and ethical standards by submitting manipulated/forged evidence, including the AI-generated audio file. Actor and agency's defamation suit against Kim Sae Ron's family Kim Soo Hyun had previously filed a ₩12 billion KRW (approximately $8.74 million USD) damages suit, a defamation case, and charges under the Sexual Crimes Special Act. Both Kim Soo Hyun and Gold Medalist remain committed to these legal actions, stating they are focused on protecting the actor's dignity and reputation, according to the report. LKB & Partners reiterated their stance, saying they will do everything in their power to ensure that Kim Se Ui and Kim Sae Ron's family are held fully accountable under the law. Background of the controversy Rumors circulated that Kim Soo Hyun was in a relationship with Kim Sae Ron while she was still a minor. The controversy intensified after Kim Sae Ron died by suicide on February 16, 2025. The situation reportedly worsened following her May 2022 DUI incident, which led to financial disputes with her agency, Gold Medalist. Allegedly, Kim Soo Hyun distanced himself from her, despite her repeated attempts to seek help in repaying her debts. After Sae Ron's death, further allegations emerged, including leaked private photos and claims of a continued secret relationship. Gold Medalist later confirmed a brief romantic relationship between the two actors but clarified that it occurred after Sae Ron turned 18. They also decided against providing a condolence payment to her family after a semi-nude photo of Kim Soo Hyun leaked, fearing it might be misinterpreted as an admission of guilt. ALSO READ: Kim Soo Hyun slammed for 'crocodile tears, Oscar-worthy act' during press meet about Kim Sae Ron FAQs: What is the controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun? The actor has been falsely accused of being in a relationship with Kim Sae Ron since her middle school years, based on an AI-generated audio file presented as real evidence. Who is Kim Se Ui? Kim Se Ui is the operator of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, known for making controversial and often unverified claims about South Korean celebrities. Why is AI voice technology a concern in this case? The use of AI-generated audio played a central role in fabricating false claims, raising serious concerns about digital misinformation and defamation. What legal action has Kim Soo Hyun taken so far? He has filed multiple lawsuits, including for defamation, false accusations, and violations under the Sexual Crimes Special Act, along with a ₩12 billion KRW damages claim. What happens next? The case is expected to proceed through the courts, with Kim Soo Hyun's legal team committed to pursuing justice and protecting the actor's name.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kim Soo-hyun's fans protest str's asset seizure; threaten to BOYCOTT brand over ‘unjust' legal action
Fans of South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun have launched a fierce protest against a medical brand that recently secured a court-ordered provisional seizure of the star's property, calling the move unethical and unjust. The controversy has sparked outrage among supporters, who are now threatening to boycott the brand's products if the matter is not resolved transparently. On June 11, Kim's Korean and international fan unions issued a joint statement condemning Company A, which filed for a ₩3 billion (approximately $2.16 million) asset seizure . The Seoul Eastern District Court had approved the provisional seizure of one of Kim Soo-hyun's luxury apartments at Galleria Foret in Seoul's Seongdong District. In their statement, the fan union accused the company of exploiting the actor's image for profit before turning on him following his alleged connection to a past controversy involving the late actress Kim Sae-ron . 'It is extremely unreasonable and irrational for a brand that once benefited financially from Kim Soo-hyun's image to file for asset seizure against him, especially when he is the innocent party,' the group said. Adding to the outrage, fans claimed that Kim's personal information was exposed during the legal proceedings. 'This is a clear case of secondary harm against a victim of false allegations, as well as a serious invasion of privacy,' they noted. The heart of the dispute appears to be an endorsement deal terminated by the brand, which is now demanding financial compensation based on reputational damage allegedly caused by speculative online content. The fan union rejected these claims, calling for accountability to be placed on those spreading false information—not the actor himself. 'As consumers who became aware of your brand through Kim Soo-hyun, we hope this situation does not escalate into a boycott of all your products.' On June 12, Kim Soo-hyun's legal team, LKB & Partners, confirmed the court's approval of the provisional seizure but strongly denied any wrongdoing by the actor. They also refuted allegations made by the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, which played a role in fueling the controversy. 'It is clear that Kim Soo-hyun is a victim of a crime, and it is deeply regrettable that he is now facing secondary harm,' the law firm stated.
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Kim Soo Hyun says ‘fraudster' contacted him first, calls out ‘AI-generated' audio of Kim Sae Ron admitting to sexual relationship at age 14
Minutes after Kim Sae Ron's family attorney, Bu Ji Seok, and Garo Sero Institute's Kim Se Ui held a press conference releasing an alleged audio recording of the late actor admitting to her 'physical relationship' with Kim Soo Hyun at the age of 14, the Queen of Tears star's agency, Gold Medalist, fired back with a lengthy statement. They called out the 'AI-generated' audio recording, while also suggesting that the individual, who claims to be a whistleblower and was recently attacked for holding sensitive details in the case, is a 'fraudster.' This person allegedly reached out to Kim Soo Hyun and the agency first, demanding a large sum of money. When denied, they took the recording to Garo Sero. Kim Soo Hyun's team dismisses Kim Sae Ron's recording as 'fake' The press conference held on May 7 featured an audio recording of Kim Sae Ron, where she allegedly discussed her sexual relationship with Kim Soo Hyun with an acquaintance named 'A'. She said, 'The first time I did it with him was during winter break in my second year of middle school. Thinking about it now, it was done to me. Not many people know about when I dated him in middle school, but they all reacted the same way. They asked why I just let him be.' Following this, the legal team representing Kim Soo Hyun, LKB & Partners, issued a statement clarifying that the recording was fake and believed to have been made using AI. 'The recordings were forged entirely, and Gold Medalist believes that the audio files were created using AI,' Soo Hyun's team said, according to MK Sports. They also revealed that the individual who allegedly provided the recording had two versions of the story. According to them, he tried to scam the Gold Medalist by demanding money in exchange for a file that supposedly had positive comments about Kim Soo Hyun from Kim Sae Ron. When the agency refused to cooperate, the scammer worked with Garo Sero to release the forged recording. 'The person who delivered the recording file has no connection to the late Kim Sae Ron. When the scam against the Gold Medalist didn't work, they conspired with Garo Sero to release a forged recording file. As mentioned before, Gold Medalist determined that the person delivering the file used AI, and is conducting technical verification of this and will share the results as soon as they become available.' Gold Medalist says, pictures of the attack 'can be googled' easily In the same press conference, Garo Sero also revealed that the informant who leaked the audio recording was brutally attacked in New Jersey. According to YouTuber Kim Se Ui, the attack was a planned assault by two individuals, one Korean and one Chinese. They further mentioned that the case is now being handled by the FBI. However, the Gold Medalist called these claims false and said that the photo was just something found online. ' The photo released can be confirmed through an internet search, which proves that Garo Sero and the informant are using a photo from the internet for their claims.' Regarding their next step, Gold Medalist said they are now fighting against a 'new type of crime using AI,' and called out Garo Sero's actions as a 'fabrication cornered with defamation, stalking, cybersexual crimes, and evidence fabrication against Kim Soo Hyun.' The agency now plans to 'file a complaint against Garo Sero for violating the Stalking Punishment Act and the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilisation and Information Protection.' For the unversed, Kim Soo Hyun has already filed a lawsuit against Kim Sae Ron's family and two lawsuits against Kim Se Ui for privacy breaches and stalking earlier.
