On June 14, MBC’s investigative program Straight aired an episode titled “A Social Weapon: Garosero Research Institute’s Exposure Business,” examining police investigations into various allegations raised by Garosero Research Institute (Gaseyeon) and its head, Kim Se-ui.
Previously, Kim Se-ui claimed that an anonymous informant had provided an audio recording allegedly featuring Kim Sae-ron discussing a romantic relationship with Kim Soo-hyun that began when she was a minor. In the recording released by Gaseyeon, a voice believed to be Kim Sae-ron’s allegedly stated: “We started dating in middle school and broke up after I entered college.” The recording quickly became one of the most widely cited pieces of evidence supporting allegations that Kim Soo-hyun had been involved in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron during her underage years, significantly influencing public opinion.
However, according to the MBC report, police investigators determined that the audio file had been manipulated using artificial intelligence technology. The broadcast further stated that KakaoTalk messages allegedly exchanged between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, which had also been publicly released by Gaseyeon, were found to have been altered as well. These findings cast serious doubt on the authenticity of the materials that had been presented as key evidence in the controversy.
According to the report, the informant, identified only as “A,” contacted Kim Soo-hyun’s agency approximately one month before Gaseyeon’s press conference. The individual reportedly claimed to possess recordings that would support the position that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron dated only after she became an adult. In exchange, A allegedly demanded financial compensation. Notably, the content offered to Kim Soo-hyun’s side directly contradicted the recording later provided to Gaseyeon.
The recording submitted to Kim Soo-hyun’s agency allegedly contained a statement indicating: “It wasn’t when she was a minor.” Meanwhile, the version released by Gaseyeon included the claim: “We started dating in middle school and broke up after entering college.” The stark contradiction between the two recordings has fueled skepticism regarding their authenticity.
According to transcripts aired by Straight, the informant reportedly made several remarks suggesting financial motivations. The individual allegedly told a representative from Kim Soo-hyun’s side: “There’s no need for us to meet face-to-face. Once I get paid, that’s the end of it.” The informant was also quoted as saying: “I’m selling products overseas. If Soo-hyun does well, maybe your company can have him shoot an advertisement for me for free.” Another reported statement was: “I only have a business mindset.” These remarks have prompted further scrutiny regarding the informant’s intentions and credibility.
The MBC broadcast further reported that the same informant distributed audio files to entertainment-focused YouTubers. Investigators reportedly identified as many as four different recordings containing conflicting narratives.
Attorney Ko Sang-rok, who represents Kim Soo-hyun’s side, argued that the existence of multiple contradictory recordings itself serves as evidence that the files cannot be considered authentic. He stated that this fact alone demonstrates why the recordings are unlikely to be genuine.
The latest revelations have added another layer of complexity to the controversy involving Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron. With police reportedly concluding that key audio evidence was AI-generated and multiple conflicting recordings circulating, attention is increasingly shifting toward the credibility of the materials that fueled the allegations. As investigations continue, the authenticity of the evidence and the motives of those involved are expected to remain central issues in the ongoing public debate.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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