Kim Sae-Ron And Kim Soo-Hyun Scandal: Arrest Warrant Sought Against YouTuber In SERIOUS Charges

Late

Kim Sae-Ron and K-Drama actor Kim Soo-Hyun's controversy is making headlines again. This is because South Korean prosecutors reportedly sought an arrest warrant against a YouTuber linked to the case. The scandal, which has remained in headlines for more than a year, revolves around allegations regarding the actors’ past relationship, financial disputes and the circulation of allegedly manipulated audio content online. Authorities have now intensified legal proceedings against the head of the controversial YouTube channel Garosero Institute, accusing him of defamation and spreading false information that allegedly harmed Kim Soo-Hyun’s reputation.

Arrest warrant requested, will Garosero Institute head go to jail?

According to reports, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office requested an arrest warrant on May 20 against Kim Se-Ui, the head of Garosero Institute. The move came after the Gangnam Police Station applied for the warrant on May 14. Authorities reportedly cited violations of the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, including filming and distribution using cameras, along with defamation charges. Kim Se Ui is accused of spreading false claims through YouTube broadcasts alleging that Kim Soo-Hyun dated Kim Sae-Ron when she was still a minor.

He is also accused of claiming that pressure from Kim Soo-Hyun’s side to recover debts directly contributed to Kim Sae-Ron’s death. Prosecutors further allege that AI-manipulated recordings of Kim Sae-Ron’s voice were used to spread fabricated information and damage the actor’s public image. Reports state that Kim Se Ui’s pre-trial detention hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on the 26th at the Seoul Central District Court.

All about the Kim Soo-Hyun controversy

The controversy first escalated last year when Kim Se-Ui held a press conference alongside Kim Sae-Ron’s family. During the event, transcripts were released allegedly suggesting that Kim Soo-Hyun and Kim Sae-Ron had been romantically involved since 2015, when the actress was reportedly still a minor. Kim Soo-Hyun’s agency repeatedly denied that timeline and insisted the relationship only started years later.

However, Kim Soo-Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, strongly denied the allegations. The agency acknowledged that the two actors briefly dated but maintained that the relationship only began in the summer of 2019, after Kim Sae-Ron had reached legal age. Following the release of the transcripts, Kim Soo-Hyun’s side filed a defamation complaint, arguing that the materials had been manipulated using artificial intelligence technology. The police later requested an examination of the recordings by the National Forensic Service.In November last year, the forensic agency reportedly informed investigators that it was “impossible to determine” whether the audio files had been AI-manipulated, adding another complicated layer to the already explosive controversy.