The family of the late actress Kim Sae‑ron is publicly protesting Kim Soo‑hyun’s legal team after a broadcast about their case was abruptly cancelled. They say the cancellation is unjust and accuse Kim Soo-hyun’s side of changing their stance and using fear tactics to block the story.
According to the family’s lawyer, Bu Ji Seok, the interview request from the producers of Curious Story Y came only after Kim Soo-hyun’s interview was already finished. The family agrees with the show’s request, providing evidence that they believe shows Kim Soo-hyun was involved with Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor.
The episode was scheduled to air on November 14. The family set their interview for November 10, still hoping for balanced coverage. But two days before the broadcast, they were told the program was cancelled.
The family claims the decision to pull the episode came after Kim Soo-hyun’s lawyer threatened civil and criminal action. They call this a manipulation of media and an attempt to silence them.
What Kim Soo-hyun’s Side Says
Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team denies they forced the cancellation. They maintain they did not block the show.
The argument is that they asked for caution only because they were concerned about “secondary harm” and potential legal complications. They insist they would not oppose the broadcast if rebuttals were included correctly.
Later, the producers of the show said they reviewed the materials and concluded there was “no point in reconstructing the story on air.” They added that cancelling episodes after review is normal when both sides have valid but conflicting claims.
Why the Cancellation Matters
The controversy underscores the sensitivity of allegations regarding relationships involving a minor. For many fans and observers, airing the episode could have brought more clarity to the tragic circumstances surrounding Kim Sae-ron’s death. For her family, the cancellation feels like a denial of truth.
At the same time, the producer’s decision, citing difficulties in presenting an impartial reconstruction, reflects media responsibility. When allegations are severe and the stakes are high, entertainment shows must weigh potential harm against the public’s interest.
Previous Allegations and Fallout
The dispute between the two parties did not begin with the decision to cancel the show. Earlier in 2025, Kim Sae-ron’s family — with support from the group Garo Sero Research Institute — released statements and some alleged evidence, including chat logs, claiming that the relationship began when Kim Sae-ron was 15.
Kim Soo-hyun and his agency Gold Medalist denied these claims. They admitted to a relationship but insisted it began when she was already an adult. They described intimate letters and messages as not romantic but casual, given the actor’s military service at the time.
After Kim Sae-ron’s death earlier in 2025, the controversy intensified. The family alleges that financial and mental stress from the dispute may have contributed to the tragedy.
Our Take
As a K-drama and K-pop observer, I understand both sides. The family of Kim Sae-ron deserves a fair chance to be heard. At the same time, airing such a controversial story without solid verified facts may cause further harm, not just legally, but emotionally.
The producers of Curious Story Y’s decision to cancel the broadcast suggests they recognized the complexity. Given conflicting claims, potential legal risk, and the sensitive nature of the subject, pulling the episode may have been the responsible move.
Still, I believe there should be some path toward accountability. If credible evidence exists, it should be thoroughly investigated by independent authorities. Media coverage should follow only after due diligence.
For now, fans can only wait for the results of ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, we must remember to treat such stories with sensitivity and respect.
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