Introduction

In a striking development regarding the late actress Kim Sae Ron, it has been revealed that a staggering 680 million KRW (approximately $462,400) compensation claim initiated by the entertainment agency Gold Medalist is not tied to her DUI accident costs, as many speculated. Instead, the claim relates to penalties from her involvement in the Netflix drama "Bloodhounds."

Confirmation of the Claim

A confirmation letter dated November 22, 2022, signed by both Gold Medalist and Kim Sae Ron, highlights that the outstanding settlement balance concerning her advertisement and drama appearances, influenced by her DUI incident on May 18, 2022, amounts to that eye-watering figure of 680 million KRW. The agency has set a repayment deadline for December 31, 2023, suggesting that they view this as some form of contractual penalty, and Kim has agreed to let the agency sell her Range Rover Defender to help settle the debt.

Escalation of the Situation

On March 15, 2023, matters escalated as Gold Medalist retained the law firm LKB & Partners, known for their high-profile cases, to pressure Kim for repayment. The firm issued a stern demand for repayment, threatening both civil and criminal legal action if Kim continues to default on her obligation. They stated, "Despite the repayment deadline, you have not fulfilled the debt obligation."

Clarification on DUI Expenses

Interestingly, previous assumptions about the claim being related to her DUI settlements have now been dispelled. It turns out that Kim personally covered her DUI-related expenses, and the claim is solely linked to her truncated role in "Bloodhounds." As per director Kim Joo Hwan, Kim Sae Ron's significant screen time was drastically cut post-DUI, causing ripple effects for the entire cast, with some colleagues losing their parts entirely.

Kim Sae Ron's Plea

After receiving the demand letter, Kim expressed her worries to Gold Medalist's founder, actor Kim Soo Hyun, in March. She pleaded for more time to manage her financial obligations, stating, "If they demand 700 million KRW all at once, I really can’t do it." However, reports suggest that Kim Soo Hyun has not responded to her requests, leaving the situation unresolved.

Family's Allegations and Response from Gold Medalist

The controversy surrounding the claim took a further twist when Kim Sae Ron's family disclosed that she and Kim Soo Hyun had been in a romantic relationship for about six years, beginning when she was just 15. In a recent interview, her family asserted, "She worked for free to help establish Gold Medalist, yet they discarded her like trash."

Gold Medalist's Denial

Gold Medalist swiftly denied these allegations, labeling them as false and stating they would pursue legal action against any disseminated misinformation. However, leaked photos and documents have started to surface, lending some credence to the claims of a deeper relationship.

Conclusion

As details continue to emerge from this sensational case, the entertainment community watches closely, wondering if this saga will lead to courtroom drama or if a quieter resolution will emerge. Stay tuned, as this story is far from over!