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Police move to detain YouTuber over fabricated allegations
South Korean authorities have requested an arrest warrant for a YouTuber accused of fabricating evidence that falsely implicated actor Kim Soo-hyun in a relationship with a minor, derailing his career.
The allegations and their impact
Police allege the YouTuber, Kim Se-ui, manipulated screenshots of text messages and created an AI-generated audio clip to suggest Kim Soo-hyun had dated actress Kim Sae-ron while she was underage. The accusations emerged last year, shortly after Kim Sae-ron died by suicide at 24.
The scandal swiftly upended Kim Soo-hyun's career, a beloved figure in South Korea. The actor has consistently denied the claims, stating he only dated Kim Sae-ron after she turned 18.
How the evidence was fabricated
Kim Se-ui, who has nearly a million subscribers, posted a voice recording online in which Kim Sae-ron appeared to say she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since middle school. Authorities now confirm the audio was AI-generated.
Additionally, police claim the YouTuber altered screenshots of text messages from Kim Sae-ron's phone to make it seem as though she had communicated with Kim Soo-hyun. The fabricated evidence was shared widely, amplifying the scandal.
Motive and consequences
Investigators state Kim Se-ui spread the false claims for financial gain. According to a police filing reported by JoongAng Ilbo, his actions "destroyed Kim Soo-hyun's social standing and professional livelihood."
Kim Soo-hyun, who has not made public appearances since the scandal broke, is reportedly undergoing psychiatric treatment. His agency has not commented on the arrest warrant request.
Kim Soo-hyun's response and legal action
At a press conference in March 2025, the actor tearfully denied dating Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor. "I cannot admit to something I did not do," he said. He later filed criminal complaints and lawsuits against Kim Se-ui and Kim Sae-ron's family for defamation.
The release of his Disney+ series Knock-Off, which was in production when the scandal erupted, has been indefinitely delayed.
Broader context: South Korea's celebrity culture
South Korea's entertainment industry holds celebrities to exacting standards, often forcing them out of the public eye over scandals ranging from bullying allegations to wearing counterfeit designer clothing. Kim Sae-ron herself faced intense online harassment after a 2022 drink-driving incident, despite being regarded as one of the country's most promising young actresses.
Following her death, rumors about her relationship with Kim Soo-hyun gained traction, particularly after her family publicly supported the YouTuber's claims. Kim Soo-hyun's agency initially denied the pair had ever dated before the actor later confirmed a year-long relationship-only after Kim Sae-ron had reached adulthood.
YouTuber's defense and next steps
Kim Se-ui has dismissed the authorities' allegations, calling them a "subterfuge" in a video posted online. Police have not yet indicated when a court will rule on the arrest warrant.
