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.
Kim Se Ui, the head of Garosero Research Institute who was arrested and indicted on charges of spreading false information about actor Kim Soo Hyun, denied all charges at his first trial.
The Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 26 held Kim Se Ui’s first trial on November 11th on charges including defamation under the Information and Communication Network Act and violation of the Sexual Violence Prevention Act.
Wearing a green prison uniform, Kim Se Ui appeared in court and denied all the charges against him. His defense attorney stated, “We deny all the allegations” and argued, “The stated facts are not false, and related materials have been confirmed with the bereaved family.”
Kim Se Ui also spoke directly, repeatedly raising the dating rumors between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron. According to reports from MBC and others, he claimed, “Their relationship is true, and the recorded files are not fabricated.” He emphasized, especially based on a forensic analysis report submitted last month, that Kim Sae Ron’s voice files were not AI-generated or manipulated.
During this, Kim Se Ui raised his voice, and the court cautioned him, saying, “Do not shout; speak calmly. Only address the facts stated in the charges.” They also warned that further disruptions would lead to restrictions.
Kim Se Ui expressed dissatisfaction with his detention status, requesting bail, stating, “I want to contest the case against world star Kim Soo Hyun while in sound condition.” He argued that being detained hindered his ability to verify related materials or conduct further investigations, restricting his right to defense.
About 30 minutes after the trial began, the court shifted the hearing to a closed session citing protection of the victim’s private life. Kim Se Ui was assigned to a separate listening room outside the courtroom. He protested, saying he wanted to question Kim Soo Hyun directly, but the court responded, “You will have the opportunity to ask through your lawyers,” denying his request. It is reported that the two did not face each other during the witness questioning.
The closed witness questioning of Kim Soo Hyun reportedly lasted about four and a half hours. Questions related to Kim Sae Ron were also exchanged, though specific testimony details were not disclosed.
Kim Se Ui was arrested and indicted last June on charges of spreading false information through YouTube broadcasts, claiming Kim Soo Hyun dated the underage Kim Sae Ron and that the late Kim Sae Ron’s death was due to pressure from Kim Soo Hyun’s side regarding debt repayment.
The prosecution also charged Kim Se Ui with defaming Kim Soo Hyun using AI-manipulated voice materials, publicly releasing private photos without consent, and threatening further exposure of private information. Kim Se Ui’s defense team denies these charges, and the court has yet to issue a final ruling.