While Kim Se-ui is still in custody on charges of defaming actor Kim Soo-hyun, the actor’s legal representatives have indicated that criminal punishment alone may not be enough.
Instead, Kim Soo-hyun’s side is reportedly preparing a large-scale civil lawsuit seeking large financial damages, arguing that severe legal consequences are needed to address what they describe as a harmful disinformation campaign.
Speaking on YTN’s Wise Radio Life radio program on June 1, lawyer Ko Sang-rok stressed the importance of pursuing civil liability in addition to criminal prosecution.
“As a legal representative, I believe that criminal punishment is important for such serious cyber crimes, but it is equally important to obtain strict legal judgment through civil damage claims,” he said.
The lawyer argued that significant financial penalties could help prevent similar behavior from occurring in the future.
According to Ko, legal liability should extend beyond imprisonment and include substantial compensation for the alleged harm caused.
Ko Sang-rok further suggested that if significant damages were awarded, Kim Se-ui could face financial consequences for years to come.
“If a large damages award is awarded, it may be difficult for Mr. Kim to cover it from his existing assets,” the lawyer said.
He added that the unpaid damages could potentially leave Kim with a significant debt burden long after any criminal conviction ends.
The comments attracted attention because South Korean bankruptcy law generally treats damages arising from intentional torts differently from normal debt obligations.
According to South Korea’s Debtor Rehabilitation and Bankruptcy Law, debts resulting from intentional malfeasance may be classified as non-repayable debts.
This means that even if an individual files for personal rehabilitation or bankruptcy, some court-awarded damages resulting from intentional wrongful acts may not be erased through such proceedings.
Legal experts note, however, that the application of these provisions depends on future court rulings, the specific facts of the case and the ultimate ability to establish liability.
Kim Se-ui is accused of spreading false information through broadcasts and online content regarding the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
Investigators allege that she publicly claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had been involved in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor and that pressure related to Kim Soo-hyun’s debt repayment contributed to her death.
Authorities also allege that AI-generated audio was used to create and distribute fabricated content purporting to contain Kim Sae-ron’s voice, causing serious damage to the actor’s reputation.
Kim Se-ui has denied any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Kim Se-ui has requested a detention review, asking the court to reconsider the legality and necessity of his continued custody.
The hearing will take place at the Seoul Central District Court on June 2 at 2:10 pm
The outcome of the review could determine whether Kim remains detained as the investigation proceeds.
Sources: Nate News
