According to News1, on 27/5, Kim Se Ui, a representative of the Garo Sero Institute YouTube channel, was detained on charges of violating the Sexual Violence Punishment Act and the Information and Communications Network Act. Investigation findings revealed that Kim Se Ui engaged in defamation and damaged the honor of others. This arrest comes after a year-long legal battle during which Kim Soo Hyun worked to clear his name.
Following the court's decision, Kim Soo Hyun's management agency posted a letter on its website, recalling the actor's statement from a year ago: "I don't ask people to believe me, I will prove the truth." According to the representative, over the past year, Kim Soo Hyun has fulfilled this promise, and has now "proven the truth" through legal proceedings. The actor expressed gratitude to those who chose to trust and wait for him.
Kim Soo Hyun cried at a press conference regarding the scandal on 31/3/2025. *Video: Chosun TV*
Police reported that Kim Se Ui posted unverified content via the YouTube channel. This content included claims that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor and that Kim Sae Ron committed suicide due to pressure from Kim Soo Hyun regarding debt repayment. Investigators further accused Kim Se Ui of using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to simulate Kim Sae Ron's voice, creating and distributing a fake recording to damage Kim Soo Hyun's reputation.
Police determined that Kim Se Ui's actions led to consequences such as the collapse of Kim Soo Hyun's reputation, damage to his economic activities and career, and required the actor to seek psychological treatment. During an interrogation on 26/5 concerning these accusations, Kim Se Ui denied any wrongdoing.
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YouTuber Kim Se Ui. *Photo: News1*
The scandal involving Kim Soo Hyun originated in early 2025 when the Garo Sero Institute YouTube account, operated by Kim Se Ui, quoted relatives of the late actress Kim Sae Ron. They accused the actor of dating Sae Ron while she was a minor. According to Kim Sae Ron's family, Kim Soo Hyun was "heartless" and demanded debt repayment from Sae Ron, pushing her to desperation. Sae Ron passed away in February 2025, with police concluding she made an "extreme choice."
Kim Soo Hyun's side repeatedly denied the allegations. The actor stated he did not date Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor, nor did he toy with her affections or pressure her for debt repayment. At a press conference in late March 2025, the actor stated: "The deceased and I once dated like any other couple, and we had a good relationship. However, after breaking up, we no longer communicated regularly, and communication after a breakup is very awkward."
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Kim Soo Hyun required psychological treatment due to the scandal. *Photo: MK*
Kim Soo Hyun filed lawsuits against Kim Sae Ron's family and the owner of the Garo Sero Institute, seeking a total of 12 billion won (8.1 million USD) in compensation. Since the scandal erupted, Kim Soo Hyun lost advertising contracts and was removed from the television show "Good Day". For over a year, the actor has not made public appearances.
Soo Hyun has been active in the entertainment industry for 19 years, becoming an ideal romantic figure for many women through roles in 'Dream High', 'Moon Embracing the Sun', 'My Love from the Star', 'The Thieves', 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay', and 'Queen of Tears'. The actor is considered a guarantee of success for television drama projects.
Nhu Anh (according to News1)
