South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun has been cleared by the country’s justice system in a case tied to allegations about his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae Ron. Authorities also reportedly issued an arrest warrant for Kim Se Ui, the owner of YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, over claims that he spread false information and defamed the actor online.
Following the ruling, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, GOLDMEDALIST, released a statement on Wednesday, May 27, saying the investigations had ended and thanking law enforcement for its work. The company said the accusations and evidence presented by HoverLab against Kim Soo Hyun were found to be false. According to the statement, KakaoTalk messages shown at a press conference were fabricated and altered from conversations involving a third person with no connection to Kim Soo Hyun. The agency also said voice recordings attributed to the late actress were confirmed to be manipulated materials generated using artificial intelligence technology.
GOLDMEDALIST said the court issued a warrant for Kim Se Ui because of the seriousness of the alleged offenses, which include defamation through the spread of false information, stalking-related violations, illegal distribution of filmed material, coercion involving such material, and threats. The agency thanked investigators for uncovering the truth based on objective evidence.
The statement also referred to a press conference held one year ago, during which Kim Soo Hyun said he would not ask people to simply believe him and instead would prove the truth himself. GOLDMEDALIST said he spent the past year focused entirely on fulfilling that promise, and that the legal process and investigation have now confirmed his innocence. The company added its appreciation for supporters who trusted and waited for the actor during the dispute.
The case drew major attention in South Korea because of Kim Soo Hyun’s high-profile status and the sensitive nature of the allegations involving Kim Sae Ron, who has since died. The latest legal developments mark a significant turning point in the controversy, shifting attention from the accusations themselves to the claims that false evidence was created and spread publicly.
