New Developments in Kim Sae-Ron and Kim Soo-Hyun Controversy

The ongoing controversy surrounding late actress Kim Sae-Ron and K-Drama star Kim Soo-Hyun has taken a new turn as South Korean prosecutors seek an arrest warrant for a YouTuber linked to the case. This scandal, which has persisted for over a year, involves allegations of a past relationship, financial disputes, and the circulation of manipulated audio recordings. Legal actions have intensified against the head of the Garosero Institute, accused of defamation and spreading false information. As the situation unfolds, a pre-trial detention hearing is scheduled, raising questions about the future of those involved. Read on for a detailed overview of this complex case.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 23:50 IST

Ongoing Legal Issues Surrounding Kim Sae-Ron and Kim Soo-Hyun

The controversy involving late actress Kim Sae-Ron and K-Drama star Kim Soo-Hyun has resurfaced in the news. Reports indicate that South Korean prosecutors have requested an arrest warrant for a YouTuber associated with the case. This scandal, which has been in the spotlight for over a year, centers on allegations concerning the actors' previous relationship, financial disagreements, and the dissemination of purportedly altered audio recordings online. Legal actions have escalated against the head of the contentious YouTube channel Garosero Institute, who is accused of defamation and spreading falsehoods that allegedly tarnished Kim Soo-Hyun’s image.

Will the Head of Garosero Institute Face Jail Time?

As per reports, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office sought an arrest warrant on May 20 for Kim Se-Ui, the leader of Garosero Institute. This request followed an application from the Gangnam Police Station on May 14. Authorities have cited breaches of the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, including illegal filming and distribution, alongside defamation charges. Kim Se-Ui is accused of making false claims via YouTube broadcasts, alleging that Kim Soo-Hyun had a relationship with Kim Sae-Ron while she was still a minor.

Additionally, he is alleged to have claimed that pressure from Kim Soo-Hyun’s camp to recover debts was a direct factor in Kim Sae-Ron’s death. Prosecutors also assert that AI-manipulated recordings of Kim Sae-Ron’s voice were utilized to disseminate false information and harm the actor’s public persona. Reports indicate that Kim Se-Ui’s pre-trial detention hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. on the 26th at the Seoul Central District Court.

Background of the Kim Soo-Hyun Controversy

The controversy initially gained traction last year when Kim Se-Ui held a press conference with Kim Sae-Ron’s family. During this event, transcripts were presented that allegedly indicated a romantic relationship between Kim Soo-Hyun and Kim Sae-Ron dating back to 2015, when the actress was reportedly still underage. Kim Soo-Hyun’s agency has consistently refuted this timeline, asserting that their relationship only began years later.

Gold Medalist, Kim Soo-Hyun’s agency, firmly denied the allegations, acknowledging a brief relationship but maintaining that it commenced in the summer of 2019, after Kim Sae-Ron had reached the legal age. Following the release of the transcripts, Kim Soo-Hyun’s representatives filed a defamation lawsuit, claiming that the materials had been manipulated using AI technology. Subsequently, the police requested an analysis of the recordings by the National Forensic Service. In November of last year, the forensic agency reportedly informed investigators that it was “impossible to determine” whether the audio files had been altered by AI, adding further complexity to this already explosive situation.