Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, is reportedly facing its worst financial crisis since its founding with cash reserves depleted, contracts terminated, and whispers of internal restructuring on the horizon. Industry insiders now speculate that the actor’s emotional press conference on March 31 wasn’t just about clearing his name it may have been a last-ditch effort to save his agency.

From Ad Star to Financial Fallout

An M&A specialist familiar with Gold Medalist’s internal affairs revealed that the company, which once consistently held 2~3 billion KRW in its accounts, now faces severe liquidity issues.

“Although over 20 of Kim Soo-hyun’s advertisements were taken down, it’s been reported that almost none of the clients demanded penalty fees. Still, with partial returns of already-paid model fees, canceled promotional events and ongoing fixed costs, the company’s bank balance seems to have hit rock bottom.”

The situation is so dire that the company has reportedly temporarily suspended its cleaning service contracts, a cost-cutting move that often signals deeper operational trouble.

Desperate for Investors

One financial insider added that Gold Medalist had to prepare nearly 6 billion KRW in damages even before the press conference.

“They are actively seeking outside investment. There’s talk that if the financial bleeding continues, layoffs or internal restructuring may follow soon.”

The True Motive Behind the Press Conference?

While Kim Soo Hyun’s March 31 press appearance was framed as a response to the controversy with the late Kim Sae Ron’s family and Garo Sero Institute, many believe it also served a strategic purpose damage control for a collapsing company.

During the conference, Kim Soo Hyun tearfully declared,

“I can’t say I did something I didn’t. I can no longer bear to see my family and company suffer because of this.”

12 Billion KRW Lawsuit: A Financial Counterattack

The decision to file a 12 billion KRW lawsuit against Kim Sae Ron’s family, her unnamed aunt and Garo Sero Institute’s operator appears to be more than legal retaliation it reflects a lack of alternatives. Insiders say the legal route may be Gold Medalist’s only remaining negotiation card to recover losses.

But the challenge lies ahead: proving in court that the financial damage suffered by Kim Soo Hyun and Gold Medalist is directly attributable to the three parties being sued.

Final Thoughts

Once considered one of Korea’s most stable star agencies, Gold Medalist now stands on shaky ground — and its future may well depend on the outcome of both public opinion and courtroom battles. As the company races to secure emergency funds and avoid collapse, Kim Soo Hyun’s personal crisis has clearly become a corporate one as well.