South Korean Police Arrest YouTuber for Allegedly Defaming Actor Kim Soo-hyun with AI Evidence
South Korean authorities have arrested a YouTuber accused of disseminating defamatory claims against actor Kim Soo-hyun, triggering a scandal that has halted the prominent actor's career. Police and prosecutors allege Kim Se-ui, who operates the popular YouTube channel Hover Lab, manipulated evidence to falsely assert that Kim Soo-hyun had engaged in a relationship with an actress when she was underage. The actor has consistently denied these allegations.
The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for Kim Se-ui on Tuesday, citing concerns over potential evidence destruction or flight. Kim Soo-hyun's agency released a statement on Wednesday, declaring that the “truth has been proven” and confirming that all suspicions and evidence presented by Hover Lab against the actor were unfounded.
Speaking outside the court, Kim Se-ui denied the charges and vowed to lodge complaints against the police and prosecutors. The allegations against Kim Soo-hyun surfaced last year, following the death of actress Kim Sae-ron. Months after her passing, the Hover Lab channel, with nearly a million subscribers, published a voice recording purportedly of the actress claiming a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since middle school. Police assert this recording was generated by AI and that the YouTuber also manipulated text message screenshots.
Hover Lab is known for its controversial commentary on politics and entertainment, including celebrity gossip. The false claims profoundly impacted Kim Soo-hyun, a significant figure in South Korean television and advertising. A police filing, reported by JoongAng Ilbo, stated the claims “collapsed Kim Soo-hyun’s social base and his economic activities across the board, and destroyed the basis for his professional survival.” The actor is reportedly “still receiving psychiatric treatment.”
Kim Soo-hyun has not made public appearances since a tearful press conference in March 2025, where he stated he had dated Kim Sae-ron for a year, but only after she reached adulthood. He subsequently filed criminal complaints and lawsuits against the YouTuber and the actress's family for false accusations. His agency's recent statement referenced his earlier promise: “I won’t ask you to believe me. I will definitely prove myself,” noting the past year has been dedicated to fulfilling that commitment.
