Home / Arts and Entertainment / Actor Cleared as YouTuber Arrested for AI Defamation
Actor Cleared as YouTuber Arrested for AI Defamation
27 May
Summary
- YouTuber arrested for spreading false allegations against actor.
- AI-manipulated evidence, including voice and texts, was used.
- Actor's agency confirms his innocence after year-long investigation.
YouTuber Kim Se-ui was arrested on May 26, 2026, by South Korean authorities on charges of defaming actor Kim Soo Hyun. The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant, citing concerns about evidence destruction and flight risk. Kim Se-ui faces multiple charges, including defamation through false information and illegal content dissemination.
The controversy stemmed from allegations spread by Kim Se-ui's channel, Hover Lab, suggesting Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor. Investigations by the Gangnam Police Station concluded these claims were unfounded and that digital evidence presented by Hover Lab was fraudulent.
Authorities confirmed that KakaoTalk messages were fabricated, and audio recordings were generated using AI deepfake technology. Kim Soo Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, stated on May 27, 2026, that the disseminated conversations and voice recordings were confirmed as forged and AI-manipulated.
Gold Medalist expressed gratitude for the legal system's efforts in uncovering the truth. The agency acknowledged the severe emotional and professional impact the scandal had on the actor over the past 14 months, emphasizing his commitment to proving his innocence. Kim Soo Hyun had previously denied the allegations at a press conference in March 2025, acknowledging they had dated but refuting claims of underage dating.
