Seizure of Property of Individual Who Fabricated Evidence About Kim Soo Hyun Dating a Minor
This move aims to prevent Kim Se Ui from dissipating assets while the lawsuit with Kim Soo Hyun remains unresolved.
After more than a year of disputes, the allegation that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron when she was still a minor has taken a new turn. Specifically, Kim Se Ui—the operator of the YouTube channel Garosero Institute—has been arrested on charges of spreading false information and fabricating evidence.
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Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representative, attorney Ko Sang Rok, appeared on MBC News and shared updates on the case. He stated that as the case has dragged on, the damages suffered by Kim Soo Hyun have increased significantly:
“When the incident occurred last year, we filed a lawsuit seeking approximately 12 billion won (about 210 billion VND) in damages. However, after reassessing the losses, the compensation amount may be increased if necessary.”
Documents submitted to investigators indicate that the current estimated damages are around 30 billion won (approximately 525 billion VND).
This statement marks the strongest signal yet that Kim Soo Hyun’s side is considering significantly expanding their compensation claims against Kim Se Ui. Additionally, two apartments owned by Kim Se Ui have been provisionally seized as part of ongoing legal procedures. These properties are located in Seocho District and Apgujeong (Gangnam), Seoul, with a combined value of 4 billion won (about 70 billion VND). The seizure is intended to prevent asset disposal before the case concludes.
This move is seen as an effort to secure assets ahead of potential compensation rulings. The scandal stemming from allegations made by Kim Se Ui is believed to have caused serious commercial damage to Kim Soo Hyun. When the controversy broke, several companies—including Classys, FromBIO, Cuckoo Electronics, and Trendmaker—reportedly filed lawsuits seeking a total of about 10 billion won (174 billion VND) in damages against the actor.
However, after police investigations concluded that the allegations were false, legal experts believe Kim Se Ui may ultimately be held liable for compensating Kim Soo Hyun. The report also highlights an important legal principle under Korean law: under Article 750 of the Korean Civil Code, anyone who intentionally or negligently causes harm to another through unlawful acts may be liable for damages.
Furthermore, even if Kim Se Ui files for bankruptcy protection, the obligation to pay damages may not disappear. Under Korea’s Debtor Rehabilitation and Bankruptcy Act, debts arising from intentional unlawful acts are typically classified as non-dischargeable, meaning they can survive bankruptcy proceedings. Therefore, if the court determines that Kim Se Ui intentionally spread false information causing financial harm, any awarded damages may still be enforced regardless of bankruptcy status.
The case has become one of the most closely watched legal disputes in the Korean entertainment industry, with significant financial and legal implications for all parties involved. With Kim Se Ui now under arrest and Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team indicating potential claims of up to 30 billion won, public attention is focused on the response of the Garosero Institute’s head.
On the morning of May 26, before being questioned, Kim Se Ui strongly denied the allegations and declared:
“The National Forensic Science Institute stated that it cannot determine whether the audio file containing Kim Sae Ron’s voice was generated using AI. Therefore, I cannot accept that they rely solely on analysis results from a private company commissioned by Kim Soo Hyun’s side.”
Despite Kim Soo Hyun’s statements asserting his innocence, public reaction online has remained negative. Many netizens continue to express distrust and have vowed to boycott his future projects. Although he may achieve legal victory, his return to the entertainment industry remains challenging, as he has yet to resolve issues with Kim Sae Ron’s family, Sulli’s brother, and his severely damaged public image.
