Kim Soo Hyun Defamation: Kim Se Ui Arrest Hearing

A review hearing for Kim Se-ui, CEO of the Garo-Sero Institute, who was arrested on charges of defaming actor Kim Soo-hyun, was held at the Seoul Central District Court on June 2. The court reviewed whether Kim's arrest was lawful and whether continued detention was necessary.

Kim was arrested on charges including defamation, intimidation, and attempted coercion. He appeared in court in handcuffs for the review hearing. He offered a faint smile when he saw reporters in the courthouse hallway. Kim's lawyer arrived 15 minutes before the hearing began and met with him.

Kim had requested the review hearing on May 31, five days after his arrest. A review hearing is a procedure where the court re-evaluates the legality and necessity of a detention. The court is expected to announce its decision this afternoon after reviewing the opinions of both sides.

Kim is accused of spreading false information on YouTube and other platforms, claiming that Kim Soo-hyun dated the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor and that Kim Soo-hyun's pressure to repay debts led to Kim Sae-ron's death. He is also accused of defaming Kim Soo-hyun by manipulating Kim Sae-ron's voice using artificial intelligence (AI).

The Seoul Gangnam Police Station believes Kim committed the crime to gain public attention and applied for an arrest warrant on May 14, citing multiple charges including violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes. On May 26, the court issued the arrest warrant, stating that there was a risk of evidence tampering and flight.