CEO Arrested Over Defamation Claims Against Actor Kim Soo-hyun
A CEO, identified as the representative of Gaseyeon, has been taken into custody for allegedly spreading false information that damaged the reputation of actor Kim Soo-hyun. The Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Appeals Division 8-1 has approved the detention of the CEO, who faces charges including defamation, collusion, and violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
Detention Renewal Under Review
The court’s decision to detain the CEO is part of a legal process to re-examine the legality and necessity of continued detention. Following a hearing, the CEO addressed reporters, asserting their innocence and advocating for the release of their detention. The CEO argued that their detention could lead to the dismissal of claims made by both themselves and the late actress Kim Sae-ron, and her family, regarding serious defamation.
Allegations of Fabricated Evidence
The accusations against the Gaseyeon CEO stem from alleged defamation that began between March and May of last year. The CEO is accused of broadcasting false claims on YouTube and at press conferences, suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun had a relationship with the then-minor Kim Sae-ron and that the actor’s alleged debt collection pressures led to the late actress’s death. The CEO is also suspected of fabricating audio recordings and KakaoTalk conversations related to the deceased.
YouTube Revenue as Motive
Authorities believe the CEO’s primary motive was to generate revenue through YouTube by broadcasting unverified defamatory statements and using them in press conferences. The police have submitted a detention warrant application based on this assessment. Evidence presented by the CEO’s side, including KakaoTalk messages and audio files, is reportedly considered by investigators to be manipulated and edited.
Edited Communications
Specifically, investigators suspect that KakaoTalk chat logs received from a third party were edited. This allegedly includes changing the displayed name of the conversation partner to ‘Kim Soo-hyun’ and including his profile picture. Kim Soo-hyun has consistently denied any allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor.
Forensic Analysis Results
The National Forensic Service has concluded that it is unable to determine whether the audio files in question were fabricated using artificial intelligence. A deputy judge at the Seoul Central District Court, who issued the detention warrant on January 26th, cited concerns about the destruction of evidence and the risk of flight as reasons for the CEO’s detention.
