A well-known journalist has released private KakaoTalk messages between late actress Kim Sae-ron and her former manager, shedding light on a deep, supportive relationship that sharply contrasts with recent controversies and legal battles involving the YouTuber Kwon Young-chan.

Reporter Kang Kyung-yoon, best known for her investigative coverage of the "Burning Sun" scandal, unveiled the text messages during a televised segment, aiming to challenge narratives accusing the manager of misconduct.

The manager, who is currently suing Kwon for defamation, had been previously charged with grooming and embezzlement on YouTube broadcasts.

The messages paint a different picture — one of care and emotional reliance.

In one exchange, the manager affectionately wrote, "Daughter, did you get home ok?

There's no schedule tomorrow, so rest up and save your energy. I was happy to see that you seemed much healthier... Let's make a comeback soon!" to which Kim replied, "Yes, waiting!"

On her birthday, the manager messaged, "Happy birthday, Sae-ron! I should have texted this morning, but I was busy, so I'm texting now. I hope you get to do whatever you want today. Have a good time."

The chats also show the manager stepping in during a reported suicide attempt. "I will be there in 20 minutes," he wrote after Kim messaged, "My parents can't know. ** will come." Her reply: "Ok."

Further messages reveal the manager helping her cover personal expenses. "Could you pay something in my name to this account?" Kim asked. "I will pay you back next week." He responded, "I'll pay it after I finish driving."

Perhaps most troubling were Kim's comments about her mother's behavior. "My mom posted something on Instagram again..." she said, expressing frustration and helplessness.

The manager responded, "I saw... why did she do that?" In another message, Kim wrote, "My mom took meds and posted something on my Instagram while I slept."

Kang's disclosure comes amid public backlash and a growing legal tangle.

The late actress's former manager has filed a lawsuit against Kwon Young-chan, alleging defamation based on unverified claims.

The chats, reportedly released with the family's knowledge, appear to bolster the manager's defense and counter portrayals of him as predatory.

Online reaction has been intense.

Comments on them, where the post had more than 110,000 views, overflowed with sympathy for Kim and vitriol for her family's treatment of her image and what some called the exploitation of her.

One user wrote, "The poor girl... Even after death, the so-called 'family' is acting like this." Another added, "The Instagram thing is shocking."

While some netizens questioned the motivations behind the message release, many acknowledged the emotional weight of the texts. "They're all just using the tragedy of the deceased to protect themselves," one user commented. "It's honestly exhausting."

Kim Sae-ron died earlier this year after a long, publicly documented struggle with mental health, legal issues, and online scrutiny.