The long-running controversy surrounding Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron has taken another dramatic turn after prosecutors officially requested an arrest warrant for Kim Se Ui, the controversial head of the YouTube-based Garosero Research Institute.

According to legal sources on May 20, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office filed the request following an earlier application by the Gangnam Police Station on May 14. Authorities cited alleged violations of South Korea’s Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, including illegal filming and distribution-related offenses, as well as defamation charges tied to the highly publicized scandal.

The case has remained one of the most explosive celebrity controversies in South Korea over the past year, generating massive debate online and dividing public opinion. At the center of the storm are accusations that Kim Se Ui spread false claims through YouTube broadcasts regarding Kim Soo Hyun’s alleged relationship with Kim Sae Ron.

Investigators allege that Kim repeatedly claimed Kim Soo Hyun had dated Kim Sae Ron while she was still a minor. He also allegedly accused the actor and his agency of pressuring the late actress over debt repayment issues, claims that some viewers believed contributed to the emotional turmoil surrounding Kim Sae Ron before her death.

Kim Soo Hyun’s side has consistently denied all allegations. The actor’s representatives previously filed a defamation lawsuit against Kim Se Ui, arguing that much of the evidence presented publicly had been manipulated or fabricated. One of the biggest points of contention involved an audio recording that Garosero claimed contained Kim Sae Ron’s voice.

According to Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team, the recording was allegedly altered using artificial intelligence technology to create misleading content intended to damage the actor’s reputation. The controversy escalated rapidly online, with clips and edited segments spreading across social media platforms and fan communities.

As public pressure mounted, investigators requested assistance from the National Forensic Service to analyze the disputed audio file. However, in November last year, the agency reportedly informed the Gangnam Police Station that it was “impossible to determine” whether the recording had been manipulated using AI technology.

That inconclusive forensic result only fueled more speculation across Korean entertainment media and online forums. Supporters of Kim Soo Hyun argued the uncertainty weakened the credibility of the accusations, while critics insisted the investigation should continue until all evidence is fully verified.

Meanwhile, Garosero Research Institute has remained a deeply polarizing platform in South Korea’s entertainment industry. The YouTube channel has built a reputation for exposing celebrity scandals and controversial rumors, often attracting millions of views but also facing repeated criticism over unverified claims and aggressive reporting tactics.

The pre-trial detention hearing for Kim Se Ui is now scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on May 26 at the Seoul Central District Court. The hearing is expected to determine whether authorities believe there is sufficient risk of evidence tampering or further harm to justify his arrest while the investigation continues.

Legal experts say the outcome could become a major turning point not only in the Kim Soo Hyun controversy but also in South Korea’s broader conversation about YouTube journalism, AI-generated evidence, and the spread of unverified celebrity allegations online.

As the case continues to unfold, both fans and critics are closely watching what may become one of the most significant entertainment-related legal battles in recent Korean media history.