Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, has filed an additional criminal complaint against the YouTube channel GaSeYeon for blackmail. This legal action follows previous complaints against the channel for its involvement in posting private photos of the actor, escalating an already tense situation between the two parties.
Background of the Controversy
GaSeYeon, operated by Kim Se Yeol, has been at the center of multiple controversies involving Kim Soo Hyun. On March 20, 2025, Gold Medalist filed an initial criminal complaint against the channel after it posted private photos of the actor during a livestream. This act was deemed a violation of South Korean laws, specifically the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, which addresses the illegal distribution of footage obtained through cameras. The agency also extended the complaint to include Kim Sae Ron’s family and an unidentified individual claiming to be her aunt, who allegedly provided the photos.
Escalation to Blackmail
The situation intensified when GaSeYeon made further threats during live broadcasts on March 21 and 22, 2025. In these broadcasts, the channel re-posted the private photos and issued a direct threat: if Disney+ did not cancel the release of the drama Knock Off, in which Kim Soo Hyun is involved, they would expose additional private videos of the actor. This ultimatum was interpreted by Gold Medalist as blackmail, prompting the agency to file an additional criminal complaint on March 24, 2025, under the Korean Criminal Act for criminal intimidation.
Agency’s Response and Legal Grounds
Gold Medalist has strongly condemned GaSeYeon’s actions, stating that the threats constitute blackmail and demonstrate a “blatant disregard for the law and investigative authorities.” The agency has vowed to pursue comprehensive legal action to protect Kim Soo Hyun’s rights. In their official statement, Gold Medalist also clarified that the videos referenced by GaSeYeon do not exist, further describing the channel’s claims as false and baseless. The agency emphasized that such behavior is a “serious criminal offense that cannot be overlooked.”
Under South Korean law, blackmail is a grave offense, and the agency’s decision to file the additional complaint aligns with the legal protections available to individuals facing coercive threats. The involvement of the drama Knock Off underscores how personal legal disputes can intersect with professional projects, potentially impacting release schedules and public perception of both the actor and the production.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
As of now, the legal proceedings are ongoing, with further developments expected in the coming weeks. The situation highlights the challenges celebrities face in protecting their privacy in the digital age, as well as the legal mechanisms in place to address violations such as privacy breaches and blackmail.
