South Korean YouTuber Kim Se-ui Arrested for False Defamation Allegations Against Actor Kim Soo-hyun
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News Summary
Based on information available up to 2024.
- South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun was defamed by false accusations, leading to the arrest of YouTuber Kim Se-ui.
- The suspect used AI technology to create fake voice recordings and messages, falsely alleging a relationship between the actor and a minor actress.
- This deceptive campaign seriously damaged Kim Soo-hyun’s social reputation and economic activities, according to police reports.
Renowned South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has been the victim of false defamation and character assassination allegations, resulting in the arrest of a YouTuber.
The police arrested Kim Se-ui, operator of the popular YouTube channel “Hover Lab,” after obtaining a court warrant.
The Seoul Central District Court issued the arrest warrant on Tuesday, citing risks that the YouTuber might destroy evidence or flee.
According to the police and public prosecutors, Kim Se-ui used AI technology to fabricate fake voices and screenshot messages, falsely promoting claims that actor Kim Soo-hyun dated a minor actress.
As a result of this controversy, the well-established actor’s career in the film and advertising industries was severely impacted.
Prior to the arrest, the YouTuber had already denied all allegations and announced intentions to file complaints against the police and prosecutors.
The controversy began following the death by suicide last year of actress Kim Se-ron, who was 24 years old.
A few months after her passing, the “Hover Lab” YouTube channel, which has over one million subscribers, released an audio recording in which the actress purportedly claimed she had a relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun since her school days. However, police investigations confirmed that the voice and messages were entirely fabricated using AI technology.
The incident caused significant harm to Kim Soo-hyun’s social standing and financial activities, with police reports noting that he is still undergoing mental health treatment.
At a press conference held in March 2025, an emotional Kim Soo-hyun stated that he only had a relationship with the actress after she became an adult, and categorically denied any relationship during her minor years.
His agency released a statement on Wednesday declaring that truth has prevailed and all allegations made by the YouTuber have been proven baseless.
