Broadcaster Kwon Young Chan’s accusations of “Hospital Bill Embezzlement” against the late Kim Sae Ron’s former manager, Mr. K, have been dismissed, with police concluding the case without charges.
According to Hankyung.com on the 25th, Mr. K received notice on the 21st from the National Office of Investigation that allegations related to violations of the Medical Service Act, the Personal Information Protection Act, and obstruction of business were dropped due to insufficient evidence. This case stemmed from Kwon Young Chan’s report in June, filed on behalf of Kim Sae Ron’s family for what he described as “Public Interest Purposes.”
At the time, Kwon issued a statement claiming that “On March 14, one month after Kim Sae Ron’s death, an outpatient record under her name appeared in the hospital chart,” insisting that “Such information should not have been accessible to anyone outside of her immediate family,” and suggesting a high possibility that Mr. K had visited the hospital.
He also pointed out alleged irregularities, stating, “In November last year, 5.4 million KRW was billed for Kim Sae Ron’s wrist surgery, but the payment was later canceled and re-billed at 4.98 million KRW,” raising suspicions of embezzlement.
Mr. K countered at the time, saying, “The surgery cost nearly 5 million KRW because Kim Sae Ron did not have insurance. She herself said the hospital bill was around 5 million KRW, and apart from paying urgently at the hospital, there was nothing suspicious.”
A former staff member from Kim Sae Ron’s previous agency also defended him, stating, “Although Mr. K resigned in December last year, he cared deeply for Kim Sae Ron. The claims of embezzlement or forcing her to drink are untrue. He even made sure she had meals, and there was no issue with the 5 million KRW hospital payment.”
A hospital representative told SBS Entertainment News, “We have reviewed the broadcast made by Kwon Young Chan. However, the medical record and re-billing claims mentioned are groundless. Although the accusations have not yet been formally confirmed, we will take appropriate measures once they are verified.”
Meanwhile, in response to Kwon’s allegations, Mr. K filed a lawsuit on June 19 for defamation and insult under the Information and Communications Network Act. That case is currently under investigation.
Kwon later explained his stance, saying, “It was raised in the form of questions directed at Mr. K, the late Kim Sae Ron’s manager, during the broadcast.”
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