Kim Soo-hyun’s side is considering raising its civil damages claim from 12 billion won to about 30 billion won, following the police investigation results it disclosed on October 26, Sports World reported on October 27.
The figure is not yet a finalized claim. Kim’s side previously filed a damages suit of about 12 billion won against Garo Sero Research Institute head Kim Se-eui and others. Its legal representative has since estimated the economic losses from advertising and halted work at about 30 billion won, based on evidence submitted to investigators, and raising the claim to that level is now under consideration. The current claim amount remains 12 billion won.
The damages question surfaced alongside the criminal investigation results announced by Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, on October 26. Police referred several people to prosecutors after finding criminal charges against them, following Kim Se-eui’s detention and indictment in the case. Those referred include the late Kim Sae-ron’s mother and a person accused of impersonating her aunt, while her father was not referred, the agency said.
Police also referred attorney Bu Ji-seok, who represented the bereaved family side, and Kwon Young-chan, who runs the YouTube channel Kwon Young-chan TV. Gold Medalist said both men led two press conferences using materials investigators confirmed to be fabricated or manipulated, including forged KakaoTalk messages and AI-manipulated voice recordings. Bu faces criminal defamation and network-act defamation charges, while Kwon faces a charge under the sexual crimes act over distribution of filmed material, according to the agency.
In its statement, Gold Medalist thanked investigators for their work, saying: “Based on extensive materials and objective evidence, we deeply thank the investigative authorities for carefully confirming the facts and identifying the true nature of the crimes and those involved.” A referral to prosecutors means police judged there were charges to answer; it is not a final finding of guilt, and prosecutors will decide whether to indict.
The dispute traces back to allegations that Kim dated Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor. Kim’s side denied that the relationship began while she was a minor and filed complaints against Kim Se-eui, the bereaved family and others. Kim Se-eui, who is currently on trial after being detained and indicted, denies the charges against him.
What comes next: prosecutors’ decisions on whether to indict those referred, and whether Kim’s side formally raises its claim toward 30 billion won.
