A recent episode of MBC’s investigative programme *Straight* has uncovered shocking claims that multiple manipulated audio recordings featuring the voice of the late actress Kim Sae Ron were allegedly created and used in attempts to extort money. The revelations have sparked widespread outrage, as they suggest the young star’s voice and image continued to be exploited even after her tragic passing.

According to the broadcast, several versions of the alleged recordings contain contradictory statements about Kim Sae Ron’s past relationship with actor Kim Soo Hyun. Some versions claim the pair dated while she was underage, while others reportedly deny any such relationship during that period. These conflicting audio files were allegedly circulated by an informant who approached both Kim Soo Hyun’s agency and controversial YouTuber Kim Se Ui, the operator of the *Garo Sero Institute* channel.

The investigation focused heavily on Kim Se Ui, who was recently arrested on charges of defamation related to spreading false claims about Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron. In May, he released an audio recording purporting to feature Kim Sae Ron stating she had dated the actor as a minor. However, authorities later determined the file had been manipulated using AI technology.

One of the most disturbing aspects revealed in the report is the informant’s alleged attempt to profit from the situation. Roughly a month before providing the recording to *Garo Sero Institute*, the same individual reportedly contacted Kim Soo Hyun’s agency offering a different version of events — one in which Kim Sae Ron denied dating the actor while underage. In exchange, the informant demanded money and additional favours, including a potential advertising deal.

Messages cited in the programme show the informant writing phrases such as “There’s no need for us to meet face-to-face” and outlining conditions for payment. This dual approach — offering conflicting narratives to different parties — has raised serious questions about the authenticity and motives behind the recordings. Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representative, attorney Go Sang Rok, emphasised that the existence of multiple contradictory versions serves as strong circumstantial evidence that they cannot be genuine.

The timing of the alleged recordings has also drawn scrutiny. The informant claimed to have met and recorded Kim Sae Ron in January 2025, just weeks before her death in February. At that point, the public controversy regarding her alleged relationship with Kim Soo Hyun had not yet surfaced, making the detailed questioning in the recordings appear suspicious to investigators.

Police have concluded that the credibility of the files is low, and the National Forensic Service reportedly stated that proper verification was impossible because the submitted audio was not an original recording. Despite this, Kim Se Ui continued to promote the material and made additional explosive claims, including allegations that Kim Soo Hyun’s side had offered enormous sums of money and even attempted to silence the informant.

The *Straight* team pushed back against these assertions, noting that Kim Se Ui’s claims about verification by the National Forensic Service were inaccurate. The case has highlighted the growing problem of AI-generated deepfake audio being weaponised for financial gain or defamation, particularly in high-profile entertainment industry scandals.

Kim Sae Ron’s death earlier this year already triggered significant public mourning and debate within the Korean entertainment industry. The latest revelations have intensified the sense of tragedy, as they suggest her voice was allegedly exploited for profit even after she was no longer alive. Many netizens and industry figures have expressed anger and sadness over the continued use of her name and likeness in such controversies.

This case also sheds light on the broader challenges surrounding digital manipulation and online misinformation. As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, distinguishing between authentic and fabricated content grows increasingly difficult, posing risks not only to celebrities but also to public trust in media. The programme has called for stronger measures to combat such exploitative practices.

As investigations continue, authorities are expected to pursue those responsible for creating and distributing the manipulated recordings. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in the digital age, particularly for public figures and their families. For Kim Sae Ron’s loved ones and fans, the latest developments have undoubtedly caused further pain amid an already difficult period.

The entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues of privacy, consent, and ethical content creation. This latest scandal involving the late actress underscores the urgent need for better protections and accountability mechanisms. As more details emerge from the MBC investigation, the public will be watching closely to see how the case is resolved and what measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.