Choo Sung-hoon’s side: "Not true that we bear the funeral expenses for the late Kim Sae-ron"

"Appeared on a show together,
but did not maintain a close relationship"

Former mixed martial artist and broadcaster Chu Sung-hoon has denied rumors that he fully covered the funeral expenses of the late actress Kim Sae-ron, calling them "groundless."

Former mixed martial arts fighter and broadcaster Choo Sung-hoon. Bonbu ENT

On the 26th, Chu Sung-hoon's agency, Bonbu ENT, told the media, "The rumor that Chu Sung-hoon covered Kim Sae-ron's funeral expenses is not true."

They added, "Although they appeared together on a variety show in the past, they did not maintain a close relationship," and stated, "Fake news suddenly spread through social media (SNS)."

Earlier, some online communities circulated rumors that Chu Sung-hoon fully covered Kim Sae-ron's funeral costs. The fact that Chu Sung-hoon and Kim Sae-ron appeared together on a Channel A variety show in 2019 was reexamined, which is believed to have fueled the rumors.

Some videos on YouTube claimed, "Not only did Chu Sung-hoon support the funeral expenses, but he also reportedly offered condolences separately to the bereaved family." In particular, one media outlet reported that Chu Sung-hoon, as a father with a daughter, felt paternal affection toward Kim Sae-ron and thus supported the funeral expenses.

Meanwhile, Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the 16th of last month. Currently, Kim Sae-ron's family is engaged in a dispute over the truth, claiming that she had been dating Kim Soo-hyun since she was a minor. The family plans to hold a press conference on the 27th at a location in Seocho-dong, Seoul, where they will release materials regarding the relationship between Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun.