Kim Sae Ron’s best friend reveals details of their ‘last meeting’; discusses ‘abuse and threats’ in alleged audio

Also read: Was Kim Sae Ron married when she died? Voice recordings claiming her husband had a bad temper surface amid Kim Soo Hyun row

Meanwhile, Sae Ron’s family has denied knowing anything about her supposed marriage or the allegations that she had an abortion. They’ve made it clear they’re just as shocked as everyone else by these claims.

Lee Jin Ho releases audio of Sae Ron’s best friend

On March 20, YouTuber Lee Jin Ho released two audio recordings allegedly between a staff member from Kim Sae Ron’s new agency (after she left Gold Medalist) and Sae Ron’s best friend. Both calls took place on February 16, 2025, when she passed away.  (The reports and recordings mentioned in this article could not be independently verified by SCREEN.)

Also read: Did Park Seo Joon hint at Kim Soo Hyun’s scandal? YouTuber calls their friendship ‘weaker than paper’

In the first call, which started at 9:39 PM KST, Kim Sae Ron’s best friend opened up about her marriage and the tragic events leading up to her death. Recalling their last meeting, the friend shared, “We went to screen golf and grabbed a meal together.” According to Koreaboo, she added, “Maybe it was because of the man she met in the USA.” The friend claimed he “would hit her and create a huge fuss.” Sae Ron had even shown her pictures of the abuse, and the man reportedly “contacted her suddenly yesterday.”

About 30 minutes later, they spoke again. The friend said Sae Ron’s husband had assaulted and threatened her. “She showed me a picture of a cut on her neck and said it was real,” she shared. “Her friends all believe she died because of him. He kept making personal attacks and threatening her.” The calls ended with them talking about the shock of her sudden death and how her close friends had gathered to mourn and make plans for the funeral. The friend admitted she was caught off guard when the news broke. “But her friends all believe she died because of him,” she added.

Also read: Kim Sae Ron’s family demands ‘public apology’ from Kim Soo Hyun, initiate action against YouTuber

Meanwhile, public sentiment appears to be firmly with Kim Sae Ron, with many raising doubts about the authenticity of the leaked audio recordings. There’s growing criticism directed at Lee Jin Ho and Kim Soo Hyun, as some believe the recordings may have been tampered with to deflect attention from the deeper truth.

Kim Sae Ron’s family responds to ‘secret marriage’ claims

On March 20, Garo Sero Institute shared a video where current head of Garosero research institute, (YouTube channel behind Kim Soo Hyun controversy) Kim Se Ui addressed Lee Jin Ho’s recordings. According to these claims, Kim Sae Ron was secretly married and had allegedly undergone an abortion—something her family vehemently denies.

Reportedly, Kim Se Ui said Sae Ron’s mother had planned a press conference but was physically too weak to go through with it. “Her mother was crying uncontrollably… she was so thin, like skin and bones,” he shared. She had even written a letter titled ‘To Sae Ron, In Heaven’, but couldn’t bring herself to read it publicly. The family insists they had no idea about Sae Ron being married or needing an abortion. They questioned why such claims were made, demanding proof. “They were in tears, demanding evidence,” Kim Se Ui said. “They couldn’t accept the claims.” With lawsuits, leaked recordings, and shocking accusations flying, the truth behind Kim Sae Ron’s final days remains tangled in mystery and grief. Gold Medalist, her former agency, has filed criminal suits, and Sae Ron’s family is fighting back against the rumours.