- By Swati Singh
- Wed, 12 Mar 2025 07:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The controversy surrounding Queen Of Tears star Kim Soo-Hyun, allegedly linked to Kim Sae-Ron's tragic death, has reached to fever pitch. Now, a recent report by Dispatch has unveiled the financial and legal struggles that late actress Kim Sae Ron faced in the months leading up to her untimely demise in February. According to the report, Kim Sae-Ron's debt dispute with her former agency, Gold Medalist, played a significant role in her tragic passing. The agency had reportedly sent Kim Sae-Ron a legal notice in March 2024, demanding repayment of approximately KRW 686 million (around $473,000 USD) in damages incurred due to her 2022 drunk driving incident.
The repayment deadline was set for December 31, 2023, with the agency threatening to take civil and criminal legal action if the amount was not settled in full. Kim Sae-Ron, who was the sole earning member of her family, struggled to make ends meet and found herself unable to meet the demand. Despite her best efforts to gather the funds, including selling off assets, cars and convertible bonds, she was only able to collect around KRW 200 million.
'Please Save Me...': Kim Sae-Ron asked help from Kim Soo-Hyun
In a distressing turn of events, Dispatch revealed that Kim Sae-Ron had reached out to actor Kim Soo Hyun for help, highlighting the desperation and vulnerability she felt in the face of her financial struggles. The report sheds light on the immense pressure and stress that Kim Sae Ron was under and how her financial struggles may have contributed to her tragic passing. The news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with fans and fellow celebrities expressing their condolences and support for Kim Sae Ron's family. According to the outlet, Kim Sae-Ron pleaded,
"Oppa, this is Sae Ron. I received the letter of certification today, that [your company] is suing me. You said that you would give me ample time, so I’m working hard, preparing to make a comeback. I will pay you back with a percentage from each work. I’m not saying that I won’t pay you back, but if you suddenly ask for KRW 700 million right now, I really can’t do anything. It’s not that I won’t, but I can’t. Do you really have to take it as far as a lawsuit? Please save me… I beg of you. Give me some time."

(Image: X/@Makispade_)
Gold Medalist, Kim Sae Ron's former agency, has backtracked on their initial demand for KRW 686 million, claiming they never intended to collect the debt. They stated that the legal letter was merely a formality for internal financial documentation, and they had no expectation of receiving payment from Kim Sae Ron.
“We had no intentions of receiving money from Kim Sae Ron. We thought we wouldn’t get it. We only followed basic procedures because there could have been a case of malpractice brought up."
When questioned further, Gold Medalist's response was unclear on whether Kim Sae-Ron was informed that the debt notice was merely a formality. The agency stated that Kim Sae-Ron's manager was contacted and documents were needed. They also claimed that Kim Sae-Ron was told she could repay the debt when she was able to, but their response lacked clarity on whether she was aware of the informal nature of the notice.