Netizens are criticizing actor Kim Soo Hyun after his legal team cited difficulties in identifying a defendant, referred to as the "fake aunt," in a lawsuit tied to the late actress Kim Sae Ron's family and controversial media outlet Garosero.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced claiming Kim Soo Hyun failed to pay the required legal fees for the civil suit he filed.

However, his representatives stated that the full amount had in fact been paid, despite a request for a short extension.

"The request for an extension the day before was due to a routine address correction and confirmation of the defendants' addresses.

We also could not easily confirm the address or name of the defendant, also referred to as the 'fake aunt,'" a representative of Kim's legal team said in a phone call with Star News as per Koreaboo.

The representative added that while the identity of the defendant remains unconfirmed, it will likely be resolved through official channels.

"If we can confirm at least the defendant's name, contact information, or resident registration number, there is no problem.

But these three things are not confirmed yet, but they will be confirmed someday because a criminal complaint has been filed against this person," the representative said.

"The investigative agency will also confirm the person's personal information.

However, we are trying to find a way to confirm this information a bit faster. It is difficult to predict when the first trial date will be held, but it will most likely proceed in line with the criminal case investigation."

Despite the legal explanation, many netizens are expressing frustration online, accusing Kim of avoiding accountability and trying to deflect attention from the core issue—his alleged relationship with a minor.

"Why are they trying to identify the aunt? It doesn't change the fact that he dated a minor," one user wrote on the online community platform theqoo.

"He should just die rather than live like that," another comment read.

"Why do they keep trying to find some excuse? Isn't the main point whether or not he dated a minor?" another netizen added. "It's so annoying to see them trying to stray away from the situation."

Previously, Kim Sae Ron's mother addressed the existence of the so-called "fake aunt," though further details remain unclear.

As the lawsuit continues, public scrutiny surrounding Kim Soo Hyun and his legal strategy shows no signs of slowing.