Kim Soo-hyun scandal: Kim Sae-ron's shocking final calls expose emotional abuse and?isolation from American husband

Caution: This article contains distressing details leading to Kim Sae-ron's tragic death. Reader discretion is advised.

YouTuber Lee Jin-ho's expos¨¦, titled "Shocking Exclusive! The Late Kim Sae-ron¡¯s Final Voice Recording¡­ Was It Really Kim Soo-hyun¡¯s Fault?", was released on April 22, 2025. The video included a distressing audio recording of Kim Sae-ron's emotional collapse, which was allegedly triggered by shamanic videos sent by her husband, heightening public worry about the abuse she suffered in her final days.

Kim Sae-ron's final call

The video exposed a raw audio clip, described as authentic, where Kim Sae-ron, in a state of distress, describes her husband showing her YouTube videos of shamans giving negative readings about her. These videos claimed she was a "withered flower" and "selfish," leaving a deep emotional scar.

"They said I'm a withered flower who can't bloom again¡­ that I'm selfish, and a nasty person¡­ and because everyone keeps saying that about me, I¡­ I start to believe it too."

Kim Sae-ron's shocking final calls

Misplaced Blame on Kim Soo-hyun?

According to Lee Jin-ho, despite media focus on Kim Soo-hyun, who was her former boyfriend, he had no involvement in Kim Sae-ron's tragic death. The true culprit, according to the investigation, was Kim Sae-ron's American husband, who had been living with her. Kim Sae-ron's rushed marriage to him, following a DUI scandal, led to ongoing emotional and physical abuse that went largely unnoticed.

"In fact, the only confirmed past boyfriends of Kim Sae-ron, including her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun, total five: an athlete, a singer, a part-time coworker, an idol trainee, and her American husband. And this list includes only those whose relationships have been clearly verified. So, for Kim Sae-ron, Kim Soo-hyun was essentially her ex-ex-ex-ex-ex-boyfriend."

Contracts in marriage?

Lee Jin-ho also revealed a disturbing contract between Kim Sae-ron and her husband. The agreement contained clauses restricting phone use and banning mentions of ex-partners.

Kim Sae-ron and her husband. Credit: X

"It appears that Kim Sae-ron experienced severe conflict during her relationship and marriage with her American husband. This is evident through a written agreement exchanged between the two, which included clauses such as: 'Open phones only when mutually agreed,' 'Never mention ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends unless their traces appear,' and even 'No gaslighting.'

"The agreement further stated that any violation would result in a $1,000 penalty per offense. At the time, Kim Sae-ron was reportedly struggling financially. Even her close acquaintances questioned how she could afford a plane ticket to the U.S., given her situation. In such circumstances, having to pay $1,000 for every breach of the contract would have placed an enormous burden on her."

After all of these difficulties, Kim Sae-ron's ultimate goal was to build a caf¨¦ in Hapjeong with a buddy. She had made plans, but when extra funds fell through, her aspirations were dashed.

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.