Conflicting claims surrounding the late actress Kim Sae-ron's death have sparked intense disputes between her family and acquaintances, as legal battles involving actor Kim Soo-hyun and YouTuber Lee Jin-ho proceed.

On March 19, Lee Jin-ho released a video on his YouTube channel 'Entertainment President Lee Jin-ho', alleging that Kim Sae-ron had been secretly married in the United States. He also disclosed what he claimed to be recorded conversations involving the late actress.

In response, on March 20, YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (hereafter referred to as 'Ga Se Yeon') countered Lee's claims. "Lee Jin-ho uploaded a false video titled 'Truth Hidden by the Family.' We have met directly with the bereaved family members. They clearly stated they never concealed anything. They were shocked by Lee's assertions," Ga Se Yeon said.

They further shared, "Yesterday, Kim Sae-ron's mother sobbed uncontrollably, asking, 'Do I have to die to stop Lee Jin-ho and Kim Soo-hyun from tormenting me?' She's currently in such a devastated state she cannot even stand properly. We had planned to hold an emergency press conference at 5 p.m. today, but her condition prevented her from attending."

Ga Se Yeon also emphasized, "The family told us they had never heard anything about Sae-ron being married, nor did they understand the claims of her allegedly having had an abortion. The statement about the manager covering 20 million won in hospital fees was also unfounded. The family asked us to request evidence, breaking down in tears."

Kim Sae-ron's mother shared her grief in three handwritten letters. She wrote, "I'm sorry, my daughter. I thought preventing things would protect you. I believed I was keeping you safe by hiding you away. Now they're asking me to explain everything. Why me, why now? I couldn't bear to send you away like this. I only wanted an apology for making you out to be a liar, and I hoped no one else would go through this. But all I get in return is denial of my existence and demands for explanations."

She continued, "It must have been so hard for you. How painful it must have been for three whole years. Even though you were so precious and deserving of love. Don't worry. Even if the world doesn't know, your mother knows. Your friends know, and everyone who truly knew you knows. And I'll be okay. You always said, 'Don't worry, mom, even if the world doesn't know, I know.' I'm sorry, Sae-ron. I'll let you go quietly now."

On the same day, Lee Jin-ho released another video titled "Shocking Recording! The Real Reason Kim Sae-ron Was Struggling," revealing a phone conversation with one of Kim Sae-ron's close friends. In the recording, the friend alleged that Kim had suffered physical abuse from her husband.

The friend claimed, "I met her just the day before yesterday. We played screen golf and had dinner. I think it's because of the man she met in the U.S. He hit her and caused a scene. I have pictures of the bruises and knife marks on her neck. She told me it was real. It's not official, but many of us believe she died because of him. He kept verbally abusing and threatening her."

Following this, Lee Jin-ho announced he would take strong legal action against Kim Sae-ron's close aunt, Ga Se Yeon's Kim Sae-yi, comedian Kwon Young-chan, and attorney Bu Ji-seok for spreading false information, clarifying that the legal action would not extend to Kim Sae-ron's family.

Previously, Kim Sae-ron's family had filed a defamation lawsuit against Lee Jin-ho on March 17.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Kim Soo-hyun's side filed a legal complaint against Ga Se Yeon's Kim Sae-yi, Kim Sae-ron's family member who provided photos, and Kim Sae-ron's close aunt. The charges include violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (distribution of illegal footage), after Ga Se Yeon disclosed a photo of Kim Soo-hyun with his pants down on March 15.

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