As Kim Se-ui remains in custody on allegations of defaming actor Kim Soo-hyun, the actor’s legal representatives have indicated that criminal punishment alone may not be enough.
Instead, Kim Soo-hyun’s side is reportedly preparing a large-scale civil lawsuit seeking substantial financial damages, arguing that severe legal consequences are necessary to address what they describe as a malicious campaign of misinformation.
Speaking on YTN’s radio program Wise Radio Life on June 1, attorney Ko Sang-rok emphasized the importance of pursuing civil liability in addition to criminal prosecution.
“As a legal representative, I believe criminal punishment is important for such serious cyber crimes, but obtaining a strict legal judgment through civil damages claims is equally important,” he said.
The attorney argued that meaningful financial penalties could help prevent similar conduct from recurring in the future.
According to Ko, legal accountability should extend beyond imprisonment and include substantial compensation for the alleged harm caused.
Ko Sang-rok further suggested that if significant damages are awarded, Kim Se-ui could face financial consequences for years to come.
“If a large damages award is recognized, it may be difficult for Mr. Kim to cover it with his existing assets,” the lawyer stated.
He added that unpaid damages could potentially leave Kim carrying a substantial debt burden long after any criminal sentence has ended.
The comments have drawn attention because South Korean bankruptcy law generally treats damages resulting from intentional unlawful acts differently from ordinary debt obligations.
According to South Korea’s Debtor Rehabilitation and Bankruptcy Act, claims arising from intentional wrongful conduct can be classified as non-dischargeable debts.
This means that even if an individual files for personal rehabilitation or bankruptcy, certain court-recognized damages stemming from intentional illegal acts may not be erased through those procedures.
Legal experts note, however, that whether such provisions apply depends on future court rulings, the specific facts of the case, and whether liability is ultimately established.
Kim Se-ui is accused of spreading false information through broadcasts and online content regarding late actress Kim Sae-ron.
Investigators allege that he publicly claimed Kim Soo-hyun had been involved in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor and that pressure related to debt repayment from Kim Soo-hyun’s side contributed to her death.
Authorities also allege that AI-generated audio was used to create and distribute fabricated content purporting to contain Kim Sae-ron’s voice, causing serious reputational harm to the actor.
Kim Se-ui has denied wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Kim Se-ui has requested a detention review, asking the court to reconsider the legality and necessity of his continued custody.
The hearing is scheduled to take place at the Seoul Central District Court on June 2 at 2:10 p.m.
The outcome of the review could determine whether Kim remains detained while the investigation proceeds.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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