In a surprising turn of events, Gold Medalist, the agency representing actor Kim Soo Hyun, has altered its stance in the ongoing debt recovery case involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron. Two certified legal notices, recently disclosed by Sae Ron's family, reveal a significant shift in tone from the agency following Sae Ron's controversial photo release.

The first letter, dated March 15, 2024, firmly demanded repayment of a loan totaling 686.4 million KRW (approximately $473,000) that Kim Sae Ron had taken out from Gold Medalist on November 22, 2022, with a repayment due date of December 31, 2023. The letter made it clear that Sae Ron’s failure to repay the loan by the deadline would result in severe legal consequences, including possible civil and criminal actions.

In the wake of Kim Sae Ron’s desperate pleas for an extension regarding the repayment, including emotional messages to Kim Soo Hyun that went unanswered, she posted a photo on social media early on March 24, showing her and Kim Soo Hyun with their cheeks touching. This photo, which she deleted just three minutes later, appeared to be a strategic move to elicit a reaction from her agency regarding the mounting financial pressure.

The second notice from Gold Medalist, dated March 25, showed a notable softening of their demands. While it acknowledged the previous demand for repayment, it opened the door for discussions about a more manageable repayment plan in light of the financial difficulties Sae Ron had expressed. The agency urged Sae Ron to propose an alternative schedule while cautioning her against direct communications with its employees concerning the matter.

Moreover, the letter addressed the implications of her social media post, highlighting that Kim Soo Hyun was currently starring in a high-profile drama, “Queen of Tears.” The agency stressed that her actions could have repercussions not just for her, but also for the larger production team, including cast members and streaming platforms involved.

This change in approach signals a possible attempt to de-escalate tensions and open negotiations, contrasting sharply with the aggressively worded first letter. However, Kim Sae Ron's legal representative has voiced concerns, suggesting that the agency's softened language still contained underlying threats regarding payment and contact restrictions.

The saga has become more complicated with allegations from Garo Sero Research Institute (HOVERLAB), which claimed that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron had dated since 2015 when she was just 15 years old. Gold Medalist has categorically refuted these claims, insisting that the two only dated when she was of legal age, from 2019 to 2020. They maintain that Kim Soo Hyun did not personally lend money to Sae Ron and that the debt issue is strictly a matter between her and Gold Medalist.

As the situation unfolds, Kim Sae Ron's family is reportedly considering taking legal action against Kim Soo Hyun, signaling that this drama may not be resolved anytime soon. With public interest at fever pitch, many are left wondering what the next chapter of this unfolding story will hold. Stay tuned as we follow this developing situation closely!