Kim Soo-hyun Controversy: YouTuber Kim Se-ui Arrested Over Alleged AI-Manipulated Claims Against Actor

Kim Soo-hyun’s controversy takes a dramatic turn after YouTuber Kim Se-ui was arrested over allegedly spreading fabricated AI-manipulated claims involving the actor and late actress Kim Sae-ron.

Image Credit - Instagram

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has finally received the big support from authorities after months of struggles. YouTuber Kim Se-ui was finally arrested over allegations of spreading fabricated claims involving the actor and late actress Kim Sae-ron. 

The case shocked the entire South Korean entertainment last year. As reported earlier, it has now taken a dramatic turn after officially confirmed that several pieces of evidence used against Kim Soo-hyun were manipulated using artificial intelligence technology. 

Kim Se-ui Arrested In Defamation Case

The Seoul Central District Court reportedly approved an arrest warrant for Kim Se-ui on Tuesday. Authorities have stated that there were concerns he could destroy evidence or try to flee during the investigation. 

For those unaware, Kim Se-ui runs the controversial YouTube channel Hover Lab (Garosero Research Institute) that has around one million subscribers. It frequently posts celebrity gossip and commentary around entertainment and politics. 

The investigation against the YouTuber started after multiple allegations targeting Kim Soo-hyun surfaced online. Kim Se-ui claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor. Kim Soo-hyun, meanwhile, had repeatedly denied those accusations. 

Read more: Heeseung Becomes Evan After ENHYPEN Exit

Is Heeseung Leaving ENHYPEN? Sudden Update Sparks Fan Concern

Authorities Claim Evidence Was Manipulated

Investigators found that many materials shared during broadcasts and press conferences had been altered. Authorities allege that the screenshots of KakaoTalk chats were manipulated to falsely connect Kim Soo-hyun to conversations. Instead of Kim Soo-hyun, another person was involved in the chat. 

The police have also revealed that the artificial intelligence was used in altering a voice recording featuring Kim Sae-ron.  Kim Soo-hyun also faced massive backlash due to this controversy. The scandal affected his endorsements, public appearances, and overall industry reputation. 

The claims "collapsed Kim Soo-hyun's social base and his economic activities across the board, and destroyed the basis for his professional survival", according to a police filing reported by news outlet JoongAng Ilbo.

Kim Soo-hyun’s Agency Reacts After Arrest

Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, GOLDMEDALIST, also released an official statement thanking the authorities for uncovering the truth following Kim Se-ui's arrest. 

The agency revealed that the investigation confirmed that Hover Lab’s evidence and accusation were false.  It also said that KakaoTalk conversations had been edited and the late actress’s voice recordings were manipulated using AI-generated technology. 

It further thanked fans and supporters for continuously standing by Kim Soo-hyun throughout the controversy. The agency also referred to the emotional press conference from March 2025 in which Kim Soo-hyun publicly addressed the allegations for the first time. 

Read more: Jang Ki-Yong And Ahn Eun-Jin Paired For An Upcoming Romantic Drama

Kim Min Ha Join Lee Junho in Typhoon Company and replace Geum Sae Rok

Kim Soo-hyun Had Earlier Denied Dating Minor

Image credit - Instagram

Kim Soo-hyun had earlier confirmed that he had dated Kim Sae-ron for about a year during the emotional press conference held last year. He, however, firmly denied the claims that she was underage during their relationship. 

He said, “I can’t admit to something I didn’t do,”  during the media interaction last year. 

Kim Soo-hyun made a distance from public appearances after that press conference. He had also been going through psychiatric treatment following the intense public negativity surrounding the case. 

He later filed criminal complaints and a lawsuit against Kim Se-ui and others involved in spreading the allegations. 

Case Continues To Draw Massive Attention In South Korea

The controversy became one of the biggest entertainment scandals in South Korea because Kim Soo-hyun has massive popularity. He is popular for appearing in several successful Korean dramas and films. This is because he remains one of the country’s most recognisable stars. 

The elements like misinformation, celebrity privacy, and the growing misuse of AI-generated content in public controversies have become major talking points on the internet after the arrest of Kim Se-ui. 

Many of Kim Soo-hyun’s fans have openly expressed relief after the authorities reportedly confirmed that important evidence against the Korean actor had been fabricated. 

The case has also raised concerns about unverified claims that can spread online and severely affect a public figure’s reputation before investigations are completed. 

Read more: BTS Comeback Confirmed: K-Pop Icons to Release New Album on This Day

 Published: 27 May 2026 at 7:29 PM IST