A controversy is embroiling Garo Sero Research Institute with actor Kim Soo-Hyun over the revelation of his relationship status with actress the late Kim Sae-Ron, as the private investigator has publicized a forensics data and the alleged breakup message from 2018 that contradicts Soo-Hyun's previous statement about mangling evidence.
The controversy erupted following Kim's March 31 press conference, in which he denied allegations that he had an underage relationship with Kim Sae-Ron.
His agency, Gold Medalist, reinforced this stance in an April 2 statement, claiming that photos presented by Kim Sae-Ron's family were misleading.
The agency asserted that while the two communicated in April 2018 during Kim's military leave, they did not meet in person and only began dating in the summer of 2019.
However, Garo Sero countered these statements by presenting forensic evidence.
"We conducted an analysis on five phones, four laptops, and tablets through South Korea's largest forensic firm," the group said during a live broadcast.
"We have Kim Soo-Hyun's phone numbers but pixelated them for privacy.
The screenshots, FaceTime, and call logs we've shown are partial for now."
One of the most significant revelations was an alleged KakaoTalk message from Kim Sae-Ron to Kim Soo-Hyun, dated April 13, 2018, at 2:30 a.m.
The message read: "Oppa, you're there when you want to see me, but never when I need you. If you won't try, I won't see you anymore."
Garo Sero asserted that this evidence contradicts Gold Medalist's claims.
"Forensics don't lie. If they weren't dating, this would constitute grooming," the group stated.
At the time, Kim Sae-Ron was 17 years old by Korean age (16 internationally), raising further ethical and legal questions regarding their relationship.
Gold Medalist also confirmed that video footage of the two was filmed at Kim Soo-Hyun's family's Seongsu-dong apartment.
However, the agency emphasized, "His family was present, and there was no romantic relationship at that time."
In response to the escalating dispute, the agency announced legal action against Kim Se-eui, operator of Garo Sero Research Institute, for alleged violations of the Anti-Stalking Act.
