Kim Soo-hyun's agency welcomes arrest of YouTuber accused of using AI to defame actor
Kim Soo-hyun's agency is welcoming the arrest of the YouTuber who allegedly used artificial intelligence to defame the actor.
Following the issuing of an arrest warrant by the Seoul Central District Court for HoverLab head Kim Se-ui, Gold Medalist said that investigation results proved the falsity of the YouTuber's allegations.
"We sincerely thank the investigative authorities for their efforts in uncovering the truth based on objective evidence," the company said in a statement obtained by Soompi.
"The past year for Kim Soo Hyun has been devoted solely to keeping that promise. At last, through lawful procedures and a thorough investigation, the truth has been proven," it continued.
The agency went on to disprove the YouTuber's claims allegedly manipulated through AI.
"In particular, the KakaoTalk conversations revealed during the press conference were determined to have been fabricated and altered from conversations involving a third party unrelated to Kim Soo Hyun, while the deceased’s voice recordings were also confirmed to be manipulated materials generated using AI technology," it added.
The allegations behind Soo-hyun began last year, months after the death of the late actress Kim Sae-ron at the age of 24.
According to reports, YouTube channel HoverLab posted a supposed voice recording of the actresss saying she was dating Soo-hyun since middle school. Authorities said HoverLab manipulated text messaging screenshots from the actress's phone to make it appear that she had been texting Soo-hyun. Se-ui allegedly manipulated Sae-ron’s voice via AI in a content in order to defame the actor.
In a March 2025 press conference, Soo-hyun admitted to dating Sae-ron, but not as a minor.
Soo-hyun then filed criminal complaints against Kim Se-ui and members of Kim Sae-ron’s family over defamation and misinformation charges.
The court eventually allowed Sei-ui's arrest, citing concerns of flight risk and destruction of evidence.
HoverLab is a controversial YouTube channel in South Korea, that often posts political commentary and celebrity gossip.
Soo-hyun is a top Korean celebrity, having starred in TV series My Love from the Star, It's Okay to Not Be Okay, and Queen of Tears.
