This article is part of our coverage of Kim Soo Hyun And Kim Sae Ron’s Relationship. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.
The court has given its stance regarding actor Kim Soo Hyun‘s request for Garosero Research Institute to delete certain videos.
On November 4th, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 51 held the first hearing for Kim Soo Hyun’s petition to delete and ban the posting of videos against Kim Se Ui, head of GaroseroResearchInstitute. Earlier, in September, Kim Soo Hyun’s side had requested the deletion of 45 videos containing defamatory content about him.
During the hearing, Kim Soo Hyun’s representatives requested the deletion of all 45 videos, stating, “Among 2,000 videos, the 11 with the highest views include Kim Soo Hyun’s face along with expressions such as ‘child pedophilia, obscene, perverted, Kim Sae Ron’s death led by Kim Soo Hyun.’”
On the other hand, Kim Se Ui’s side argued that there was no proof the video content was false and that the matter was still under dispute in a criminal trial.
The court remarked regarding the requested deletion videos, “Besides the content related to Kim Soo Hyun, there seem to be advertisements or other issues included,” and asked to narrow down the scope of the request.
The court further stated, “It is questionable whether being indicted and detained in a criminal case alone can be deemed a clear falsehood or whether this court can recognize discussions ongoing in a criminal trial as defamatory falsehoods.”
However, they also noted, “The burden of proof lies with the Garosero Research Institute, and proof is needed that the videos are truthful and not false.”
The court concluded the hearing that day, instructing Kim Soo Hyun’s side to organize the scope of their deletion request by the 20th of this month, with additional statements and evidence to be submitted by the 11th of next month before a final decision is made.
Kim Se Ui was indicted and detained in June on charges of spreading false claims that Kim Soo Hyun had dated the late Kim Sae Ron while she was a minor and that Kim Soo Hyun’s side’s pressure to repay debts caused Kim Sae Ron’s death.
He is also accused of unauthorized broadcasting of Kim Soo Hyun’s private photos, threatening by implying he would reveal personal information, and demanding a public apology.