Director Shares Post Accusing ‘Kim Soo-hyun of Pedophilia’, Sued by Fans and Referred to Prosecutors

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun was last year embroiled in rumors of dating the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. At a press conference, he tearfully clarified that they only got together after she was of age, but his reputation suffered a significant blow, leading to a halt in his career. During this time, Lee Jung-sub, the former director and screenwriter of the R-rated film ‘Real’, shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing Kim Soo-hyun as a pedophile, sparking outrage among Kim’s fans. The fans retained lawyers and filed a criminal complaint for defamation. According to SBS Entertainment News, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul has confirmed the accusation holds merit and has referred the case to the prosecution for further investigation.

Kim Soo-hyun’s fans argue that Lee Jung-sub spread posts on social media that categorically deemed Kim as a ‘child sex offender,’ severely damaging his reputation. As a result, they commissioned a lawyer to file a lawsuit. After investigation, police believe there is sufficient suspicion and have referred the case to prosecutors for further action, but whether he will be found guilty will await the outcome of prosecutors’ investigation.

Lee Jung-sub was originally set to direct Kim Soo-hyun’s film ‘Real’, but was replaced midway. Directing duties then went to Lee Sa-rang, Kim Soo-hyun’s cousin and one of the founders of the management company ‘GOLDMEDALIST.’ After Kim’s controversy erupted, Lee Jung-sub reposted critical posts regarding ‘Kim Soo-hyun pedophilia’ on X, commenting ‘exact same tactics,’ and accused the entertainment industry, media, and judicial circles of collusion, fiercely denouncing the controversy involving Kim Soo-hyun.

Later, following claims that the late actress Sulli appeared nude for ‘Real’ under the direction of Kim Soo-hyun and Lee Sa-rang, Lee Jung-sub responded on X, saying, ‘Because I am not credited as the director, I do not have the right to make an official clarification.’ Nonetheless, he posted an explanation about the production process of ‘Real’, stating that ‘during the early stages of the auditions, I was not allowed to be present on site.’ He explained the circumstances of the public auditions and casting, sparking renewed debate.

Source: Apple Daily