Legal Proceedings Underway for Alleged Defamation Case
A court has authorized the detention of the CEO of Garo Sero Institute, who faces allegations of defaming actor Kim Soo-hyun through the dissemination of false information. The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant on the afternoon of the 1st, for charges including defamation, incitement, and attempted coercion. The CEO is currently in custody.
The individual arrived at the courthouse around 1:44 PM, with both hands bound by handcuffs, accompanied by three police officers. Upon encountering journalists outside the court, the CEO offered a slight smile. A detention review is a judicial process where a court re-examines the legality and necessity of an arrest. Following the issuance of an arrest warrant, a detained individual can request a review from the court for potential release.
Detention Review Filed After Arrest
The CEO submitted a request for a detention review on the 31st of last month, five days after being taken into custody. The court delivered its decision on this request this afternoon.
The allegations center on claims made by the CEO through YouTube broadcasts and other platforms. These claims suggest that Kim Soo-hyun engaged in a relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, and that Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged debt disputes were a contributing factor to Kim Sae-ron’s death. Further accusations include the manipulation of Kim Sae-ron’s voice using artificial intelligence technology to defame Kim Soo-hyun.
The Seoul Gangnam Police Station initially applied for an arrest warrant for the CEO on the 14th of last month. While the CEO denied the allegations, the court approved the arrest warrant on the 26th, citing concerns about the destruction of evidence and the risk of flight.
