MBC’s investigative program PD Notebook has shed new light on the controversy surrounding YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute and its operator Kim Se Ui, with the program alleging that numerous public figures—not just actor Kim Soo Hyun have suffered financial and reputational damage from the channel’s broadcasts.
The special episode, titled “The Hunter and the Prey: Garosero Institute’s Dangerous Survival Strategy,” aired on July 14.
During the broadcast, attorney Ko Sang Rok, who represents Kim Soo Hyun, criticized the channel’s reporting methods regarding allegations involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron.
According to attorney Ko, Garosero Institute repeatedly presented photos and messages without clearly establishing their timeline or authenticity, allowing viewers to draw misleading conclusions. He also argued that screenshots of KakaoTalk conversations shown during the broadcasts did not explicitly identify Kim Soo Hyun, but were presented in a way that implied they were connected to the actor.
The program argued that Garosero Institute built its audience through sensational videos targeting celebrities, politicians, and business figures. Researchers interviewed on the program described the channel as one of the pioneers of a business model centered on controversial online exposés.
Media critic Jeon Ji Yoon stated that the channel allegedly profited by selecting public figures as targets, fueling online criticism, and generating revenue through high-viewership content.
One of the most notable interviews featured the chairman of a company identified only as A, who claimed he became the subject of Garosero Institute broadcasts. According to A, the channel would first release preview content that created fear before publishing its full allegations.
He said the broadcasts mixed fragments of his past with false information, damaging both his personal reputation and professional standing. “People who haven’t experienced it won’t understand,” A said. “They made me look like human trash.” The businessman also claimed the broadcasts continued repeatedly after he became a target.
A further alleged that he ultimately chose what he believed was the quickest way to end the broadcasts. According to his account, he offered advertising sponsorship after being advised that financial compensation alone would not stop the videos.
He claimed many others likely handled similar situations the same way, describing the experience as feeling like intimidation. These allegations were presented as part of the program’s investigation and have not been independently verified in court.
The broadcast comes as Kim Se Ui is currently being held in custody after being indicted on charges including criminal defamation related to alleged false statements involving Kim Soo Hyun. The criminal proceedings remain ongoing, and the allegations discussed during PD Notebook have not yet been fully resolved through the courts.
As legal cases continue, the program has reignited public debate over the influence of online exposé channels, digital defamation, and the legal boundaries of reporting on public figures.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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