The legal case involving actor Kim Soo Hyun has taken a serious turn as South Korean prosecutors move to seek pre-trial detention for Kim Se-ui, the head of YouTube channel Garosero Institute (HoverLab).
The request marks a major escalation in a controversy over allegations involving the late actress Kim Sae-ron that has lasted more than a year.
On Wednesday, the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that it had requested an arrest warrant for Kim Se-ui.
Authorities say the move follows an earlier request from the Gangnam Police Station on May 14, which cited suspected violations of the Special Law on the Punishment of Sex Crimes, including illegal filming and distribution, along with allegations of defamation, Koreaboo reported.
Prosecutors allege that Kim spread false information through online broadcasts claiming that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae-ron when she was still a minor. He is also accused of saying that pressure from Kim Soo Hyun to repay debts contributed to the actress’ death.
Authorities also allege that he damaged the actor’s reputation by using AI-generated audio to support these allegations.
Kim Se-ui risks detention
A key part of the investigation involves a recorded voice file said to contain Kim Sae-ron’s statements. Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team argued that the recording was manipulated using artificial intelligence.
According to KoreaTimes, the police subsequently requested an analysis from the National Forensic Service to determine its authenticity. In November, the agency reported that it had been unable to confirm whether the file had been altered using AI technology.
The dispute first attracted attention in May last year, when Kim Se-ui held a press conference together with Kim Sae-ron’s family. During the event, he presented a transcript stating that the actress had been in a relationship with Kim Soo Hyun since she was a minor.
The claims quickly triggered a public debate and legal action by Kim Soo Hyun, who filed a defamation suit.
According to officials, the ongoing case now centers on whether information shared online was intentionally fabricated and distributed to damage the actor’s reputation.
Investigators are also examining the role of digital tools in producing or altering evidence presented to the public.
Kim Se-ui’s pre-trial detention hearing is scheduled for May 26 at 10:30 am at the Seoul Central District Court. The court will decide whether he should be detained while investigations continue.
