Kim Sae-Ron death case: Former manager cleared of embezzlement allegations

Kim Sae-ron death update

Allegations made by broadcaster Kwon Young Chan against the late actress Kim Sae Ron’s former manager, Mr. K, have officially been dismissed by authorities.

The case, which centred around claims of hospital bill embezzlement and misuse of personal information, has been closed without charges due to insufficient evidence.

As reported by Hankyung.com on the 25th, the National Office of Investigation informed Mr. K on the 21st that accusations involving violations of the Medical Service Act, Personal Information Protection Act, and obstruction of business would not proceed further.

The complaint had originally been submitted by Kwon in June, reportedly on behalf of Kim Sae Ron’s family and in the “public interest.” His claims stemmed from a March 14 outpatient record in Kim’s name, which appeared in hospital files a month after her passing.

Kwon questioned how such data, usually restricted to immediate family members, could have surfaced, hinting at Mr. K’s involvement.

He further pointed to what he described as irregularities in hospital billing. Kwon alleged that a wrist surgery billed at 5.4 million KRW in November of the previous year was later cancelled and re-issued at 4.98 million KRW, which he claimed raised suspicions of possible embezzlement.

Mr. K, however, strongly refuted the allegations. “The surgery cost nearly 5 million KRW because Kim Sae Ron did not have insurance. She herself mentioned the hospital bill was around 5 million KRW. Apart from paying urgently at the hospital, there was nothing questionable,” he said.

A former colleague from Kim Sae Ron’s agency also came to Mr. K’s defence, noting that although he had resigned from his post in December last year, he had always shown genuine care for the actress.

“He even ensured she ate properly, and there were no issues with the hospital payment,” the staff member added, rejecting suggestions that he had encouraged her to drink or mishandled funds.

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The hospital involved also released a statement via SBS Entertainment News, clarifying, “We reviewed the broadcast made by Kwon Young Chan. The claims about medical records and re-billing are groundless. Although the accusations are yet to be formally confirmed, we will take appropriate measures if needed.”

In response, Mr. K filed a defamation and insult lawsuit against Kwon on 19 June, under the Information and Communications Network Act.

That case remains under investigation. Kwon has since explained, “My claims were presented in the form of questions directed at Mr. K, the late Kim Sae Ron’s manager, during the broadcast.”