The high-profile controversy involving South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun and late actress Kim Sae-ron has taken a dramatic turn after South Korean authorities reportedly concluded that key evidence circulated online had been manipulated.
According to South Korean media reports on Wednesday, prosecutors have formally applied for the detention of Kim Se-ui, the operator of controversial YouTube channel HoverLab, also known as Garo Sero Institute.
Authorities reportedly believe Kim Se-ui spread false information and damaged Kim Soo-hyun’s reputation through manipulated materials related to the case.
Police investigations allegedly found that KakaoTalk message recipient names had been altered, while an audio recording previously claimed to feature Kim Sae-ron before her death was determined to be AI-generated.
The controversy first erupted after Kim Sae-ron, a former child actress, died by suicide on February 16 last year at the age of 25 — coincidentally on Kim Soo-hyun’s 37th birthday.
Ten days later, Kim Sae-ron’s family appeared on HoverLab and accused Kim Soo-hyun of having been in a six-year relationship with the actress, allegedly beginning when she was still underage.
The family also accused the actor of pressuring her over debts and manipulating public opinion, claims which triggered massive public backlash and widespread media attention across South Korea.
According to reports, what initially began as allegations surrounding a celebrity relationship has since escalated into at least seven separate criminal cases involving Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Sae-ron’s family and HoverLab.
In March last year, Kim Soo-hyun’s side filed a complaint against HoverLab and Kim Sae-ron’s family for distributing private photographs, including an image allegedly showing the actor washing dishes at home.
The actor’s legal team argued that the photo was an invasion of privacy and should never have been released publicly.
Meanwhile, HoverLab and Kim Sae-ron’s family filed counter-complaints accusing Kim Soo-hyun and some of his fan groups of violating South Korea’s Child Welfare Act, making false accusations and defamation.
However, South Korean police reportedly declined to proceed with legal action against Kim Soo-hyun’s fan groups earlier this month, stating the case did not meet prosecution standards.
Kim Soo-hyun’s representatives have consistently denied allegations involving underage dating or abuse and filed another lawsuit in June last year accusing HoverLab and Kim Sae-ron’s family of fabricating claims.
The actor has also reportedly filed a civil lawsuit at the Seoul Central District Court seeking 12 billion won (approximately US$8.3 million) in damages, claiming the allegations severely damaged his career and forced him to suspend entertainment activities.
