The father of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has spoken out.
On the 10th, Ilgan Sports published an interview with Kim Sae-ron’s father, who was joined by other family members.
The grieving family expressed their pain, stating, “Because of YouTuber Lee Jin-ho and other cyber ‘reckless’ reporters, along with the media that indiscriminately quoted their videos, Sae-ron suffered immensely. Our family went through hell, and even now, our suffering has not ended.”
Condolence Wreaths Arrive at Late Actress Kim Sae-ron’s Memorial. / News1
They continued, “People speak so easily. They say, ‘Why didn’t you watch over her 24/7?’ or ‘Why didn’t you admit her to a psychiatric hospital?’ But they don’t know how much we suffered. There was a time when I got into a car accident while rushing to her after hearing distressing news, and I didn’t even get proper treatment before going straight to her.”
Kim’s father condemned the actions of Lee Jin-ho and online media outlets, saying, “What they did didn’t just destroy Sae-ron but an entire family’s life. It’s something that can never be forgiven. No matter what, I will never forgive those who twist the narrative to fit their own agenda.”
He also addressed false rumors circulating online: “There are Shorts videos and posts claiming that someone opened her urn at the columbarium, or that our family squandered the money she earned. Because of these lies, my remaining two daughters are being labeled and stigmatized.”
Frustrated, he questioned, “Do we have to personally respond to every single false claim and say they’re fake news? Even if my wife and I can endure it, what about Sae-ron’s two younger sisters? How am I supposed to protect them? If strangers point fingers at them, do they have to live under that shadow forever? I just want to correct these lies and remove those videos.”
Late Actress Kim Sae-ron. / News1
Kim’s father also revealed his helplessness, saying, “I wanted to call Lee Jin-ho and curse him out, or at least tell him that what he said wasn’t true. But I was afraid he would record the call and use it against us. The injustice, the anger, and the frustration are unbearable.”
He made it clear that he seeks legal action: “I want Lee Jin-ho to be punished by the law. I also want action taken against those who left malicious comments about our family. Fortunately, there are people helping us, and a law firm is gathering evidence.”
Even after the interview, Kim’s father sent a message to Ilgan Sports, saying, “Do you know what a serial killer is? We are already dead. What kind of parents can keep living after losing their beloved child? We are barely holding on for the sake of our remaining children, but we keep having dark thoughts. Especially their mother—she keeps blaming herself. I feel the same. Please, just once, help us speak the truth. We are so sorry and so grateful.”
Kim Sae-ron passed away on February 16 at her home in an apparent suicide.
