The legal battle surrounding actor Kim Soo Hyun has taken a new turn after Kim Se Ui, head of YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, was indicted on charges involving false claims about the actor’s private life.
On June 23, the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office indicted Kim Se Ui on charges including defamation under the Information and Communication Network Law, violations related to sex crimes laws, and stalking charges.
Kim Se Ui had previously claimed through YouTube and other online platforms that Kim Soo Hyun was involved in a relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor. He also claimed that pressure from Kim Soo Hyun on financial matters was linked to his death, Koreaboo reported.
Authorities said the investigation found concerns that some materials shared online were misleadingly edited and disseminated without adequate fact-checking. Kim Se Ui was also accused of sharing private photos of Kim Soo Hyun without permission and threatening to release more material unless the actor made a public apology.
South Korean prosecutors have formally indicted Kim Se-ui, head of the Garo Sero Institute (Gaseyeon), while he remains in detention on five charges, including defamation, distribution of illegally filmed images, violation of the anti-stalking law, attempted coercion and criminality… pic.twitter.com/uNWgAWo9eS
– KimSooHyun_India (@kimsoohyunindia) June 23, 2026
Kim Soo Hyun faces the comeback challenge
Kim Se Ui denied the charges, but the court approved his arrest warrant after considering concerns about possible destruction of evidence or escape. Police had previously requested the warrant after determining that the videos were created and distributed despite knowledge that the claims may be false.
The case also influenced Kim Soo Hyun’s possible return to showbiz. The actor had stepped away from public activities after the controversy damaged his image and caused several projects and advertisements to be delayed.
Recent developments have brought new attention to Kim Soo Hyun’s comeback plans. According to KoreaTimes, he is expected to film an advertisement for Philippine fashion brand Bench in July, marking his first official activity since the controversy began.
However, even as the investigation continues, Kim Soo Hyun still faces a difficult road. While some questions about the allegations have changed, rebuilding public trust may take time. For a celebrity whose career depends heavily on public support, resolving legal issues is just part of returning to the spotlight.
The actor’s agency had previously expressed gratitude to supporters who supported him during the investigation. The company said it appreciates those who waited through the legal process before making judgments.
