Trigger warning: This article mentions sensitive content such as suicide; reader discretion is advised.South Korean authorities have arrested YouTuber Kim Se-ui, who runs the popular channel Hover Lab, over claims that he used AI and manipulated material to defame actor Kim Soo-hyun. Police and prosecutors allege that Kim Se-ui falsely claimed the actor dated the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. Kim Soo-hyun has denied the allegation, which triggered a major scandal and disrupted his career.
Kim Soo-hyun defamation case
According to the BBC, the Seoul Central District Court granted an arrest warrant for Kim Se-ui on Tuesday after authorities raised concerns that he could destroy evidence or flee. Kim Se-ui denied the charges outside court and said the warrant “did not even properly organise the basic facts.”He also said he would file complaints against the police and prosecutors who sought his arrest. Hover Lab, which has nearly a million subscribers, is known in South Korea for political commentary, entertainment content, and celebrity gossip. Kim Soo-hyun’s agency welcomed the development in a statement on Wednesday and said the “truth has been proven.” The agency added, “The investigation confirmed that all suspicions and evidence raised by Hover Lab against Kim Soo-hyun were unfounded.”
AI voice recording allegation
The allegations surfaced last year after Kim Sae-ron died by suicide at 24. Months later, Hover Lab posted a voice recording in which she could reportedly be heard saying she had dated Kim Soo-hyun since middle school. Police now say the recording was generated by AI. Authorities also allege that Kim Se-ui manipulated screenshots of text messages from Kim Sae-ron’s phone to make it appear that she had texted Kim Soo-hyun.The claims shocked South Korea, where Kim Soo-hyun is one of the country’s top TV stars and a regular face in advertisements. News outlet JoongAng Ilbo reported from a police filing that the allegations “collapsed Kim Soo-hyun’s social base and his economic activities across the board, and destroyed the basis for his professional survival.”Police also said the actor is “still receiving psychiatric treatment.”Kim Soo-hyun has not made official public appearances since a tearful March 2025 press conference. He said he dated Kim Sae-ron for one year, but only when she was an adult. “I can’t admit to something I didn’t do,” he said.His agency recalled his promise from that press conference: “I won’t ask you to believe me. I will definitely prove myself.” It said the past year was spent keeping that promise.DISCLAIMER:If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, or mental illness, please seek professional help immediately from a doctor, mental health expert, or NGO. Helplines are also available.
