Full Breakdown
South Korean Police Seek Arrest Warrant for YouTuber Over AI-Fabricated Defamation of Actor Kim Soo-hyun
5/23/2026, 4:08:38 AM
AI-Fabricated Defamation Case
South Korean police have filed a request for an arrest warrant against YouTuber Kim Se-ui, who posted AI-generated audio and altered screenshots suggesting that actor Kim Soo-hyun had dated actress Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor. Police filings state the YouTuber was aware the claims were false and spread them for profit, prompting criminal complaints and lawsuits filed by the actor in March 2025.
Background: Sae-ron’s Death and Rumors
The rumors surfaced in 2025, shortly after actress Kim Sae-ron’s suicide at age 24. Online posts claimed the actor had dated her when she was 15. The actor’s agency denied any relationship, while the actress’s family accused him of underage dating. The story quickly dominated South Korean media.
Key Figures
- Kim Soo-hyun – Actor accused in the defamation.
- Kim Se-ui – YouTuber with ~1 million followers.
- South Korean Police – Investigating the fabricated evidence.
- Kim Soo-hyun’s Agency – Reiterated denials and supported legal action.
- Brands – Several withdrew endorsement contracts after the scandal.
Timeline
- Early-mid 2025 – Kim Sae-ron’s death triggers rumors; Kim Se-ui uploads AI-generated voice clip and altered screenshots.
- March 2025 – Kim Soo-hyun holds a press conference, denies underage dating, and files criminal complaints.
- March 2025 – Police request an arrest warrant; Disney+ series “Knock-Off” is postponed and brands end contracts.
Official Responses
Police filings say the audio is AI-generated and the screenshots are manipulated, stressing profit-driven defamation. Kim Soo-hyun’s agency reiterated the actor never dated the actress while she was a minor and supported his legal actions. The YouTuber described the police probe as a subterfuge intended to disrupt the investigation. Several brands terminated contracts, citing public scrutiny.
Criticism
The actress’s family publicly accused Kim Soo-hyun of underage dating, fueling the rumor wave. Public backlash caused loss of endorsements and suspension of his Disney+ series. Critics say the case underscores the danger of AI-generated misinformation in South Korea’s celebrity-driven media.
Conflicts
Police maintain the evidence is fabricated; the YouTuber insists the claims are genuine and calls the probe a “subterfuge.” No independent forensic analysis of the AI audio has been released, leaving verification incomplete.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I can't admit to something I didn't do,” — Kim Soo-hyun, Actor, March 2025 press conference
- “collapsed Kim Soo-hyun's social base and his economic activities across the board, and destroyed the basis for his professional survival,” — Police filing, JoongAng Ilbo
- “still receiving psychiatric treatment” — Police filing, JoongAng Ilbo
- “subterfuge meant to disrupt his investigation” — Kim Se-ui, YouTuber, video response
What’s Next
The arrest-warrant request remains pending. Criminal proceedings will decide penalties for the YouTuber. Kim Soo-hyun’s team plans further civil action.
