Actor Kim Soo-hyun’s agency has requested a meeting with the mother of the late actor Kim Sae-ron.

Gold Medalist, Kim’s agency, released an official statement on Saturday in response to claims made on the YouTube channel Hoverlab, better known as Garo Sero Institute. "There is no justification for the indiscriminate release of photos containing Kim Soo-hyun and the deceased’s private lives. We urge people to stop spreading personal information," the agency stated.

It also acknowledged the statements made by Kim Sae-ron’s mother during the broadcast. "We understand that after losing Kim Sae-ron, her mother is experiencing indescribable pain. No words can adequately console her. We express our deep sorrow and regret over the pain the deceased had to endure," the statement said.

However, the agency said there are discrepancies between the mother’s stance and its own understanding of events. "We also believe there may be aspects that she is not yet aware of. Engaging in a public debate over these matters is not appropriate for the mother or the late Kim Sae-ron, who sought to restore her reputation by any means possible," it added.

Gold Medalist expressed hope for a private discussion between its management and Kim Sae-ron’s mother. "We would appreciate it if you could contact our office at any time," the agency said.

Hoverlab has published allegations that Kim Soo-hyun began dating Kim Sae-ron when he was 27 years old and she was 15. In response, Gold Medalist refuted the claim, stating that the two only dated from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, when Kim Sae-ron was an adult.

The YouTube channel published a statement Friday from Kim Sae-ron’s mother expressing her desire to restore her late daughter’s honor. "Sae-ron never lied to the media. She never pretended to work part-time or was a child who only enjoyed nightlife with friends. She did not fabricate photos to spark dating rumors," the statement said.

During her life, Kim Sae-ron became embroiled in dating rumors with Kim Soo-hyun after sharing photos of them together on social media. At the time, Gold Medalist denied the allegations, stating, "Kim Soo-hyun’s dating rumors are completely unfounded. We have no knowledge of Kim Sae-ron’s intentions in sharing those photos."

The mother’s statement released by Hoverlab criticized the agency’s response. "Gold Medalist defamed Sae-ron by calling her an irrational girl who posted photos without any clear intentions," the statement said. (The Korea Times)