According to News1 on June 23, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office charged Kim Se Ui, the operator of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, with alleged violations of the Information and Communications Network Act, the Sexual Violence Punishment Act and the Stalking Punishment Act.
Prosecutors said they conducted additional investigations, including questioning the alleged victims and requesting a forensic examination of audio files from the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office. Investigators reportedly concluded that Kim arbitrarily edited or distorted materials and used unverified information to distribute false claims concerning the private lives of Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron.
Kim is accused of repeatedly claiming through YouTube broadcasts and press conferences between March and May 2025 that Kim Soo Hyun had dated Kim Sae Ron while she was a minor. He also allegedly claimed that pressure related to debt repayment was directly connected to her death.
Authorities stated that the investigation found no evidence that Kim Soo Hyun had dated Kim Sae Ron during her minor years or that he was responsible for her death. Kim Se Ui is additionally accused of damaging Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation by using a voice recording allegedly manipulated with generative artificial intelligence and presenting it as the late actress’s voice.
Police reportedly wrote in their detention-warrant application that Kim knew the disputed claims were untrue but distributed them with the intention of defaming the actor.
A court issued an arrest warrant for Kim on May 26, citing concerns that he could destroy evidence or flee. He later requested a review of the legality of his detention, but the court rejected the petition after determining there were insufficient grounds for his release. Kim Se Ui will now stand trial while remaining in custody. The charges remain allegations until a final court judgment is issued.
Sources: Naver
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