Kim Soo Hyun, known globally for his roles in It's Okay to Not Be Okay and My Love From Another Star, has filed an additional lawsuit and criminal complaint through his legal team at LKB & Partners. This new move targets YouTuber and Garo Sero Research Institute operator Kim Se Ui, along with the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron, amid a wave of claims that have rocked Korean entertainment.
On May 7, 2025, Kim Se Ui held a press conference where he played what he alleged was a voice recording from Kim Sae Ron. According to him, this audio proved that Kim Soo Hyun had a romantic relationship with the late actress while she was still in middle school—a serious accusation under South Korea's Child Welfare Act.
Kim Se Ui further claimed that Kim Soo Hyun:
Kim Soo Hyun's legal counsel responded by stating that the voice recording was an AI-generated deepfake, forged to defame the actor. They asserted that both Kim Se Ui and Kim Sae Ron’s family:
They filed new complaints for defamation, false evidence submission, and violations of the Sexual Crimes Special Act.
This new lawsuit builds upon earlier actions by Kim Soo Hyun and his agency Gold Medalist, which included:
Gold Medalist confirmed that Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron had a brief romantic relationship, but clarified it began after she turned 18.
The controversy follows the tragic suicide of Kim Sae Ron on February 16, 2025, which occurred after she became embroiled in multiple personal and financial issues. She had previously faced backlash for a DUI incident in May 2022, which led to disputes with her agency and growing emotional distress.
Speculations and rumors surrounding Kim Soo Hyun grew stronger after leaked photos and unverified claims of continued romantic ties. The situation escalated after the press conference, where AI-generated content was allegedly presented as real evidence.
The case raises serious concerns about the use of AI-generated audio, media ethics, and the consequences of public accusations without verifiable proof. It has also sparked online debates about fame, privacy, and the responsibilities of both the press and individuals in the digital age.
Kim Soo Hyun's legal team maintains that their objective is to protect the actor’s dignity, reputation, and career, and to ensure that those spreading misinformation are held legally accountable.
Kim Soo Hyun filed a new lawsuit in June 2025 to counter defamation and alleged false evidence presented by Kim Se Ui and the family of late actress Kim Sae Ron, including an AI-generated deepfake audio clip.
He was falsely accused of having an illegal relationship with Kim Sae Ron during her middle school years and offering ₩4 billion KRW to suppress evidence—claims his legal team says are entirely fabricated using AI technology.
According to Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team, the voice recording played by Kim Se Ui was created using AI deepfake voice technology and is not an authentic recording of Kim Sae Ron.
He has filed multiple lawsuits, including defamation claims, a ₩12 billion KRW damages suit, and criminal complaints for false accusation and the use of forged evidence.
His agency, Gold Medalist, confirmed a brief relationship occurred but clarified that it began only after Kim Sae Ron turned 18, denying any involvement during her minor years.
