Actor Kim Soo-hyun clarified the allegations related to the late Kim Sae-ron after 44 days. During a 45-minute session where he broke down in tears, Kim Soo-hyun sued the late Kim Sae-ron's family and a person claiming to be an aunt for defamation, along with a lawsuit claiming about 12 billion won in damages against the Garosero Research Institute. The Garosero Research Institute, which had said it would broadcast the scene, is related.

On the 31st, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference at the Stanford Hotel in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, regarding suspicions of underage dating related to the late Kim Sae-ron's death. At the event, attorney Kim Jong-bok from the law firm LK Partners, which is representing him, was also present.

Kim Soo-hyun spoke directly about the issue 44 days after the late Kim Sae-ron's death. During this time, Kim Soo-hyun's side had only revealed official positions through his agency or legal representatives, preventing him from coming forward. However, Kim Soo-hyun broke his silence after 44 days, attended the official event, and clarified why it took so long.

Wearing a black suit, Kim Soo-hyun bent his waist at a 90-degree angle and read the prepared statement. He began by saying, "I consider myself a coward," and added, "I felt like I was always too busy trying to protect what I had. I was always afraid of losing or being harmed, couldn't trust even the kindness directed at me, and was too busy escaping and denying. This is why it took me a long time to stand here today."

Kim Soo-hyun continued, "I wondered if it would have been better to tell everything from the beginning in this position. If I had, maybe my fans, who have loved me, and the company employees who have worked hard until this press conference wouldn't be suffering so much. Every time my and the late Kim's private lives were exposed, I thought, 'Let's just tell everything tomorrow,' and 'Let's speak directly and end this hellish situation.' But I hesitated every time. I wondered how my decision might affect those around me and whether it would lead to something wrong for me and everyone else."

Kim Soo-hyun claimed that he dated the late Kim Sae-ron for a year before the airing of "The Queen of Tears" four years ago, but insisted that they did not date when she was a minor. He also denied the family's claim that his indifference or pressure from his agency regarding debt influenced the late Kim Sae-ron's death.

In particular, Kim Soo-hyun stated, "Whenever my agency and I offer our position on the family's evidence, suddenly newly recorded testimonies are released. There are cleverly altered photos and videos from the time of the incident and edited KakaoTalk images presented as evidence instead of originals. The false testimonies and fake evidence continue to emerge with the claim that I dated the deceased," raising questions about the credibility of the mobile messages and photos released by the family, and requested verification from investigative agencies.

Kim Soo-hyun's legal representative filed a defamation lawsuit against the family and the person claiming to be an aunt, as well as the operators of the Garosero Research Institute, and also submitted a lawsuit for damages amounting to 12 billion won. Kim Soo-hyun expressed, "What I did was done. I can accept any criticism for that. However, what I did not do remains undone. For all those who still believe in me, that much I want to clarify. I do not ask for you to trust me. I will prove it," showing his determination to fight to the end.

Meanwhile, the Garosero Research Institute, which represents the family's stance, had announced a live broadcast of the press conference but was reportedly kicked out. The Garosero Research Institute stated through live broadcasts that they were "kicked out," and announced plans to reveal videos containing the private lives of Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron during another live broadcast that evening.

Now, the issues related to the late Kim Sae-ron are heading to court. Kim Soo-hyun, who is determined to prove his innocence, and the family, who wish to clear the injustice against the deceased, are expected to have a prolonged battle.

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