The controversy swirling around actor Kim Soo-hyun has entered a shocking new phase. While prosecutors have sought an arrest warrant for Garo Sero Research Institute head Kim Se-eui, police have reportedly concluded that the claim Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron dated when she was a minor is false.
According to police and legal officials on the 21st, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office requested an arrest warrant for Kim Se-eui. Earlier, on May 14, Seoul Gangnam Police applied for a warrant on charges including defamation and violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. After reviewing the request, prosecutors asked the court to issue the warrant. Kim Se-eui's pretrial detention hearing is set for May 26 at 10:30 a.m. at the Seoul Central District Court.
At the heart of the probe are claims about the relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron. Police say Kim Se-eui repeatedly spread the narrative that "Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron when she was underage," but determined there was no such fact. While Kim Soo-hyun's side has long countered that "they did date, but not when she was a minor," police are said to have stated in the latest warrant application that the underage-dating allegation is false.
Police also believe much of the "evidence" Kim Se-eui presented was fabricated. A KakaoTalk screenshot released last year shows portions of a chat with the other party labeled "Unknown," edited to look like a real conversation with Kim Soo-hyun, and an audio file claimed to feature Kim Sae-ron's voice has raised red flags for potential AI manipulation.
Additionally, Kim Se-eui's release of Kim Soo-hyun's private photos, his pressure tactics threatening to disclose more materials, and his public demands for an apology were all cited as grounds for the warrant request, according to reports. Investigators are reportedly examining whether the motive behind the false allegations was tied to monetization through YouTube donations and views.
Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun's camp is pursuing both civil and criminal action against the bereaved family and Kim Se-eui. A large-scale damages lawsuit has already been filed, making the May 26 detention hearing a potential watershed moment for the investigation and the looming legal battle.