After over a year of controversy, the allegations surrounding Kim Soo Hyun’s purported relationship with Kim Sae Ron while she was a minor have taken a decisive turn. The individual at the center of spreading these claims, Kim Se Ui, who runs the YouTube channel “Viện Garosero,” has been arrested on charges of disseminating false information and fabricating evidence.

Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representative, lawyer Ko Sang Rok, appeared on MBC News on May 28 to address the case. Ko clarified that Kim Se Ui had falsely asserted that Kim Soo Hyun maintained a long-term relationship with Kim Sae Ron since her youth and allegedly pressured her into repaying debts through her management company, a claim linked to her untimely death. The lawyer added that Kim Se Ui had allegedly forged crucial evidence, including KakaoTalk chat logs and voice recordings of the deceased, to substantiate these allegations.

During the broadcast, Ko strongly condemned the accusations, describing the case as a manipulation of public opinion by spreading unverified rumors and distorting the truth. “This is an unprecedented situation, where even important evidence such as KakaoTalk messages and voice recordings has been falsified,” Ko stated. The lawyer emphasized that the act represents a deliberate societal crime aimed at destroying the reputation and life of an actor admired worldwide through fabricated documents.

Ko also outlined plans to demand compensation from Kim Se Ui. “We initially filed a lawsuit for 12 billion won (approximately 210 billion VND) last year, at the onset of this case. We are now recalculating the actual economic damages. After a comprehensive review of documents submitted to the authorities, we estimate the damages to be around 30 billion won (525 billion VND),” he said. If approved by the court, this would mark a record-breaking level of damages in South Korean legal history.

Following a year-long investigation, the Gangnam Police Department in Seoul concluded that Kim Se Ui had manipulated public opinion using AI technology to fabricate voice recordings. Authorities submitted a request for an arrest warrant on May 14, accusing Kim Se Ui of violating laws related to special cases involving sexual violence, defamation, threats, and coercion. The arrest warrant was officially issued on May 26.

When appearing publicly on the morning of May 26 before being interrogated, Kim Se Ui firmly denied all allegations. She stated, “The National Forensic Service declared that it cannot determine whether the voice file of Kim Sae Ron was fabricated using AI. Therefore, I cannot accept that they only trust the analysis from a private company authorized by Kim Soo Hyun’s side.”

Despite the legal victory affirming Kim Soo Hyun’s innocence, online public opinion remains skeptical. Many netizens have expressed distrust toward the actor, threatening to boycott his future projects. This demonstrates the ongoing challenge of repairing his public image, which has been severely impacted by years of rumors and media speculation.

The ramifications extend beyond Kim Soo Hyun himself. The controversy has affected the families of those involved, including Kim Sae Ron’s family and the late Sulli’s brother, further complicating reconciliation and the restoration of trust. While the legal system has now sided with Kim Soo Hyun, his path back to the entertainment industry appears fraught with difficulties, both in terms of public perception and personal relationships.

This case also highlights broader concerns about misinformation and AI-generated content in high-profile legal disputes. The alleged use of AI to forge evidence has drawn attention to the challenges of verifying digital records and the responsibilities of content creators and media outlets in preventing the spread of false narratives. Legal experts note that cases involving manipulated digital evidence may set important precedents for how South Korean courts handle AI-related forensic disputes in the future.

For Kim Soo Hyun, the outcome of this case represents both vindication and a reminder of the lingering impact of unfounded allegations. While he has been cleared legally, rebuilding trust with the public, industry peers, and families affected by the scandal will require careful management and time. The incident underscores the delicate balance between media coverage, public opinion, and the reputations of those caught in the crossfire of viral claims.

Overall, the arrest of Kim Se Ui marks a significant turning point in a saga that has spanned more than a year. It serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of misinformation and the critical need for careful scrutiny in cases involving digital evidence and high-profile personalities. The coming months will be crucial for Kim Soo Hyun as he seeks to reestablish his career and personal life while navigating the consequences of this prolonged public controversy.