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YouTuber arrested in Kim Soo-hyun defamation case
South Korean authorities have detained Kim Se-ui, operator of the YouTube channel Hover Lab, on charges of fabricating evidence to falsely accuse actor Kim Soo-hyun of dating a minor. The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant Tuesday, citing risks of evidence tampering or flight.
Allegations and AI manipulation
Police allege Kim Se-ui used AI-generated audio and doctored text messages to claim Kim Soo-hyun had a relationship with actress Kim Sae-ron while she was underage. The voice recording, posted on Hover Lab-a channel with nearly one million subscribers-purportedly featured Kim Sae-ron describing a years-long relationship with the actor beginning in middle school.
Investigators determined the recording was AI-generated and that screenshots of text messages were altered. Kim Soo-hyun has consistently denied the allegations, which surfaced months after Kim Sae-ron's death by suicide at age 24 last year.
Legal and public fallout
The scandal has severely impacted Kim Soo-hyun's career, halting his professional activities and prompting psychiatric treatment, according to police filings reported by JoongAng Ilbo. The actor's agency stated Wednesday that the investigation had "proven the truth," confirming all accusations against Kim Soo-hyun were baseless.
"The past year has been solely dedicated to keeping that promise," the agency said, referencing Kim Soo-hyun's March 2025 press conference where he vowed to clear his name.
Kim Soo-hyun's agency
YouTuber denies charges
Kim Se-ui, speaking to reporters outside the court Tuesday, rejected the allegations and criticized the arrest warrant as failing to "properly organize the basic facts." He announced plans to file complaints against the police and prosecutors involved in his arrest.
Hover Lab, known for celebrity gossip and political commentary, has faced controversy before. The channel's claims against Kim Soo-hyun sparked national outrage, given his status as a leading figure in South Korea's entertainment industry.
Actor's response and ongoing impact
Kim Soo-hyun last appeared publicly in March 2025, holding a tearful press conference where he acknowledged a one-year relationship with Kim Sae-ron but insisted it began only after she turned 18. "I can't admit to something I didn't do," he stated at the time.
The actor subsequently filed lawsuits against Kim Se-ui and Kim Sae-ron's family for defamation. His agency's Wednesday statement emphasized his commitment to proving his innocence, noting the emotional and professional toll of the past year.
