Kim Soo-hyun's agency welcomes detention of YouTuber accused of AI manipulation
Actor Kim Soo-hyun speaks at a press conference in Seoul, March 31, 2025. Korea Times photo by Park Si-mon
YouTuber Kim Se-ui referred to prosecutors over alleged fabricated Kim Sae-ron recordings
Actor Kim Soo-hyun's agency thanked fans and law enforcement Friday after police referred Kim Se-ui, operator of the YouTube channel HoverLab, also known as Garosero Institute, to prosecutors while he remained in custody.
Gold Medalist released an official statement detailing the investigation results regarding multiple criminal complaints filed against the YouTuber. The agency noted that police recommended charges against Kim Se-ui, including defamation by spreading false information, attempted coercion and intimidation, as well as violations of anti-stalking and sexual crime laws.
"Despite not being directly involved in the incident, we deeply thank those who consistently spoke out and those who worked hard by directly covering the story on behalf of Kim Soo-hyun, who was waiting for due process," the agency said.
The company also praised authorities for uncovering the truth based strictly on evidence and ordering the suspect's detention.
The agency addressed the actor's followers at the close of its statement.
"Above all, we sincerely thank the fans who have cheered and stood by Kim Soo-hyun for a long time," Gold Medalist said. "The trust and support of fans was a major source of strength even during these difficult times."
Kim Se-ui, center, operator of the YouTube channel HoverLab, attends an arrest warrant hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, southern Seoul, May 26. Yonhap
The Seoul Gangnam Police Station referred the YouTuber to the prosecution on Thursday. He is accused of falsely claiming that Kim Soo-hyun had dated the late actor Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor and that her death resulted from pressure to repay debts to Kim Soo-hyun. Police confirmed the allegations relied on fabricated evidence, including doctored chat logs and an artificial intelligence-generated voice recording.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.