Underage dating claims left Kim Soo-hyun in tears, but he stands vindicated a year later

A year after South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun tearfully denied allegations of dating actress Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor, a YouTuber named Kim Se-ui has been arrested. Kim Se-ui, head of the HoverLab YouTube channel, is accused of defamation and spreading false claims, including that Kim Sae-ron's death was linked to Kim Soo-hyun. Police reportedly concluded that audio files and KakaoTalk messages presented as evidence by Kim Se-ui were fabricated, with the audio likely generated using AI technology. The controversy significantly impacted Kim Soo-hyun's career, and he and his agency have pursued legal action. Kim Se-ui denies the allegations, questioning the evidence used for his arrest.

South Korean authorities have arrested YouTuber Kim Se-ui, who operates the channel Hover Lab, for allegedly making defamatory claims about actor Kim Soo-hyun. Prosecutors allege that Kim Se-ui manipulated evidence to falsely accuse Kim Soo-hyun of dating an actress while she was a minor, allegations the actor has consistently denied. The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant, citing concerns of evidence destruction or flight. Kim Soo-hyun's agency stated that the investigation confirmed the allegations were unfounded and thanked supporters. The YouTuber denied the charges, claiming the warrant lacked basic factual organization, and intends to file complaints against law enforcement. These allegations emerged last year, following the death of actress Kim Sae-ron.