The arrest of Garosero Research Institute head Kim Se-eui for allegedly spreading false information tied to actor Kim Soo-hyun’s case has become the hottest topic on global K-snapp.
On the 26th, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station arrested Kim Se-eui on charges including defamation and violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes. After a year-long probe, police suspect Kim manipulated related audio materials using AI technology. Investigators sought a warrant citing multiple charges—defamation, intimidation, attempted coercion, and violations of the sexual crimes law—and the court granted it over concerns of evidence tampering and flight risk.
Following the arrest, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency Gold Medalist stated, "Various claims and so-called evidence raised so far have been confirmed to be untrue." They added, "The released KakaoTalk messages were forged or altered conversations unrelated to Kim Soo-hyun, and the audio files were also AI-fabricated materials."
With Kim’s detention, the investigation is expected to speed up. Attention is also returning to whether Kim Soo-hyun will resume activities and to the fate of the long-delayed Disney+ series Knock-Off. However, the OTT platform has maintained that there are no additional confirmed details regarding the release schedule.
Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun’s side appears likely to expand the scope of their damages claim. On the 28th, attorney Go Sang-rok, legal representative for Kim, told MBC News this is "a serious case that goes far beyond simply raising suspicions." He continued, "Unverified claims were repeatedly circulated, and a distorted narrative swayed public perception; moreover, there are indications that even materials presented as key evidence were tampered with," condemning it as "a premeditated crime aimed at inflicting severe damage on an actor’s honor and entire life."
Regarding the damages, the attorney said, "We initially filed a complaint last year for 12 billion won." He added, "After reassessing the actual scale of harm, we believe the economic losses alone are far larger," stating that "as of now, we estimate damages at around 30 billion won." As a result, the claim amount is likely to be raised.
Separately, Kim Sae-ron passed away on February 16 last year at the age of 24.