Fans of South Korean actor from what they describe as a growing wave of online abuse.
The Kim Soo-hyun Korea and Global Fan Alliance announced on April 22 that they have appointed lawyer Yang Tae-young from Lawfirm Siwoo to represent the actor’s interests.
The group, which recently launched a global petition in support of the ‘Queen of Tears’ star, said the move is aimed at countering “malicious comments, rumours, lies, hate remarks, and harassment” directed at the actor online.
“We believe it is our rightful duty as fans to protect the reputation of the actor,” the group said in a statement released on the same day.
“We, fans of Kim Soo-hyun from in and outside of Korea, have agreed that we cannot ignore the continuous derogatory insults, false rumours, defamation, and personal attacks aimed at actor Kim Soo-hyun and hereby appoint Yang Tae-young as our legal attorney,” the statement added.
Emphasising their commitment to fostering a “healthy fan culture”, the alliance also noted that Kim Soo Hyun has remained focused on his work over the years. “We will take firm measures against any malicious attempts to halt our efforts,” the statement concluded.
On March 31, the actor held a press conference in an attempt to clear his name in Kim Sae-ron’s case. he had expressed his regrets, denied the accusations, and vowed to prove his innocence. “Firstly, I am sorry. Because of me, I think so many people are suffering. And also I feel sorry that the late actor [Kim Sae-ron] isn’t able to rest in peace,” he began.
Acknowledging his hesitation in addressing the controversy earlier, he admitted, “I consider myself a coward. I always seemed preoccupied with protecting what I had. I couldn’t even trust the kindness shown to me, and I was always afraid of losing something, of being harmed, so I was busy running away and denying things. That’s why it took me so long to stand here,” said Soo-hyun.
Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her residence in Seoul’s Seongdong District on 16 February, which coincided with Kim Soo-hyun’s birthday. Authorities have ruled her death as suicide, according to Korean media reports.