Kim Se Ui, the operator of the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, has reportedly been assigned to a solitary confinement cell at the Seoul Detention Center after being arrested and indicted on multiple charges, including allegedly defaming actor Kim Soo Hyun. His legal team argues that the solitary confinement is necessary due to fears that he could become the target of personal retaliation from people who have filed lawsuits against him.
According to a report by Kyunghyang Shinmun on June 29, Kim has been detained in a single cell since the beginning of this month. Last month, the Seoul Central District Court approved his arrest warrant, ruling that there were concerns about the possible destruction of evidence and the risk of flight. After initially being held at the Gangnam Police Station Detention Facility, he was later transferred to the Seoul Detention Center.
Kim’s lawyers have reportedly argued that his safety may be at risk due to individuals accusing or suing him in separate legal cases. They say there is the possibility of personal retaliation while he is in custody.
These concerns gained attention after YouTuber Eun Hyun Jang made controversial remarks during a livestream a day after Kim’s arrest. Addressing Kim directly, Eun warned him not to expect a comfortable stay in prison and publicly called on prison cell leaders to contact him. He also said he would deposit money into their prison accounts and continue making monthly payments if they “handled things well,” comments that many interpreted as implying retaliation against Kim. Eun had previously filed a complaint accusing Kim of spreading false allegations linking him to stock price manipulation.
Kim did not even show up for the first court hearing in the stalking and intimidation case involving popular YouTuber Tzuyang on June 25. His lawyer told the court that Kim feared potential attacks while in custody, describing the situation as volatile and claiming there were threats against him. The defense requested both an adjournment and a closed hearing, but the court rejected both requests.
The court will hold its next hearing on Aug. 13 and has indicated it will consider issuing a mandatory subpoena if Kim fails to appear again.
Kim was indicted in March on charges of repeatedly producing false content by exploiting Tzuyang’s private life to generate donations and financial support for his channel. He is also facing trial for allegedly defaming Democratic Party lawmaker Ko Min Jung.
Separately, Kim is due to go on trial next month in the defamation case involving actor Kim Soo Hyun, with the first hearing scheduled for July 24.
Under South Korea’s correctional system, inmates are generally housed in shared cells. However, prison authorities may assign an inmate to solitary confinement if they deem additional protection or security measures necessary. Officials said solitary confinement is not granted solely at the inmate’s request, but is determined after reviewing the circumstances of each case.
Sources: Daum
