Kim Sae Ron’s family shares AI-generated memorial video; files lawsuit over false rumours

The family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron has released a special memorial video made with artificial intelligence (AI). The clip was posted on YouTube with the title, “A Memorial Video for Kim Sae Ron Created by Her Bereaved Family Using AI.”
According to Joongang Ilbo, the video was shared on March 14 by Kwon Young Chan, who is the head of the Korea Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association.
In the AI-generated video, Kim Sae Ron appears to speak heartfelt messages to her fans, friends, and family. The AI version of the actress says, “To everyone who loved and supported me, the time I spent with you is a collection of truly precious memories.” She thanks her fans for standing by her, even during difficult times, adding, “I started acting at a young age, and there were many times when I may have disappointed you. Still, I sincerely want to thank the fans who believed in me and waited for me.”
She also shared words meant for her close friends and family, saying, “To my dear friends with whom I created so many memories, I was able to smile a lot because of you. Thank you, and I hope you won’t cry too much because of me.” Toward the end, the AI version of Kim Sae Ron expresses gratitude to her family, saying, “Thank you for always embracing me warmly, watching over me, and supporting me from my side.” She concludes with a gentle request, “If you remember me in the future, please remember me as someone bright and warm.”
Sadly, Kim Sae Ron was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16. Since her passing, her family has faced more challenges. On March 17, they filed a lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho for defamation. Their lawyer, Bu Ji Seok from Buyou Law Firm, spoke at a press conference held at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. According to Bu Ji Seok, Lee Jin Ho had made several YouTube videos about Kim Sae Ron since 2022, some of which, the family claims, contained false and damaging information.
One of the most controversial claims involves actor Kim Soo Hyun. There had been rumours that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron were in a relationship when she was still a minor. The family’s lawyer clarified that while it is true the two actors dated, reports suggesting that Kim Sae Ron fabricated their relationship are false. This became a major point of dispute.
The rumours grew after a YouTube channel called HOVERLAB (also known as Garo Sero Research Institute) shared a phone conversation on March 10. In the video, they claimed that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron had been in a relationship for six years, starting in 2015 when Kim Sae Ron was just 15 years old. At first, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, strongly denied these claims. However, when a photo surfaced showing the two actors kissing on the cheek, the agency admitted on March 14 that they had dated. Still, they insisted their relationship did not begin when Kim Sae Ron was a minor. They also denied rumours that Kim Soo Hyun had ever lent her money or pressured her to repay any debts.
Kim Sae Ron’s family is now taking legal action to stop the spread of what they say are harmful lies about her. Despite the difficult times, they hope the AI memorial video will help fans remember Kim Sae Ron as a kind and warm-hearted person.