During an interview with local media on May 28, attorney Go Sang-rok, who represents Kim Soo-hyun, stated that the actor’s actual damages have grown substantially compared to initial estimates made when the controversy first emerged.
“When the incident occurred last year, we filed the lawsuit with an estimated claim amount of 12 billion KRW. However, after reassessing the damages, the amount may be increased if necessary,” the attorney explained.
He further added that documents submitted to investigators indicate that losses currently stand at approximately 30 billion KRW.
The statement marks the strongest indication yet that Kim Soo-hyun’s side is considering significantly expanding its legal claims against Kim Sae-ui.
Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team had already secured provisional seizures on two apartments owned by Kim Sae-ui last year as part of ongoing legal proceedings.
The properties reportedly include:
- An apartment in Seocho-gu, Seoul
- A luxury apartment in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu
The total amount tied to the provisional seizure claims was reported to be 4 billion KRW, with 2 billion KRW claimed against each property.
The move was viewed as an effort to secure assets ahead of potential compensation rulings.
The controversy surrounding allegations raised by Kim Sae-ui reportedly had serious commercial consequences for Kim Soo-hyun.
However, after police investigations reportedly concluded that the allegations in question were false, legal observers believe Kim Sae-ui could ultimately bear responsibility for compensation related to the damages incurred.
The report also highlighted a key legal issue under South Korean law.
Under Article 750 of the Korean Civil Act, a person who intentionally or negligently causes harm to another through unlawful conduct may be held liable for damages.
Furthermore, even if Kim Sae-ui were to seek bankruptcy protection, the compensation obligation might not disappear. Under South Korea’s Debtor Rehabilitation and Bankruptcy Act, claims arising from intentional unlawful acts are generally classified as non-dischargeable debts, meaning they can survive bankruptcy proceedings.
As a result, if courts determine that Kim Sae-ui intentionally spread false information that caused financial harm, any damages awarded could remain enforceable regardless of bankruptcy status.
With Kim Sae-ui now under arrest and Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team signaling a possible 30 billion KRW damages claim, public attention is focused on how the Garo Sero Institute chief will respond.
The case has become one of the most closely watched legal disputes in South Korea’s entertainment industry, with potentially significant financial and legal consequences for all parties involved.
Sources: Daum | 마이데일리
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