The allegations against Kim Soo-hyun involving the late Kim Sae-ron were confirmed to be false. On May 27, 2026, as per Maeil Business Newspaper, the Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant for Kim Se-ui. He is head of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute (also known as HoverLab).
This comes after the Seoul Gangnam Police Station investigated complaints filed by Kim Soo-hyun and his agency. The court cited risks of evidence destruction and flight when it upheld the warrant following a hearing on May 26, 2026.
Following this, on May 27, Gold Medalist released a statement. They said:
“We would like to inform you of the following regarding the multiple complaints and accusations filed by Mr. Kim Soo-hyun and our company against Kim Se-ui of Garo Sero Research Institute. As a result of the investigation, it has been confirmed that the various suspicions and evidence raised by Garo Sero Research Institute against Mr. Kim Soo-hyun are untrue.”
Regarding the evidence presented by the YouTuber against the actor, the agency stated:
“In particular, it was revealed that the deceased’s KakaoTalk conversations released through the press conference were forged and altered conversations with third parties unrelated to Kim Soo-hyun, and the deceased’s voice was also confirmed to be fabricated data generated using AI technology.”
The charges against Kim Se-ui include defamation through false information under the Information and Communications Network Act, violations of the Anti-Stalking Act, violations of the Sexual Crimes Punishment Act related to distribution of filmed materials and coercion, and threats. The court recognized the seriousness of these offenses.
As reported by Star News Korea, Kim Se-ui has denied the charges. He has claimed the arrest warrant contains false facts. Police forensic analysis concluded the key evidence was manipulated. On or around June 4, 2026, authorities referred the case to prosecutors.
Kim Soo-hyun’s side has indicated plans for further civil actions, including claims for damages, while preparing for his return to activities. The developments follow Kim Sae-ron’s death in February 2025, which led to the initial public allegations.
Gold Medalist thanks fans and authorities as investigations clear Kim Soo-hyun in late Kim Sae-ron case
As reported by Star News Korea, in another statement released on June 6, the Gold Medalist stated:
“As a result of the police investigation, charges were confirmed for violation of the Act on the Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. (defamation by spreading false facts), violation of the Special Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes, violation of the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes, etc. (distribution of recordings made with cameras, etc.), attempted coercion, and threats. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the police have sent Kim Se-eui to the Prosecution Service under arrest.”
The label further thanked authorities and those who spoke out on behalf of the actor. The Gold Medalist expressed gratitude to those who investigated the truth of the case firsthand. They also thanked everyone who helped bring the reality of the situation to the public’s attention.
The agency particularly thanked law enforcement authorities for conducting thorough investigations based solely on evidence and facts. It also appreciated the judicial institutions for issuing fair and strict judgments on the suspect’s custody.
They also thanked fans, stating:
“Most of all, we sincerely thank all the fans who have supported and stood by Mr. Kim Soo-hyun for a long time. Your faith and support have been a great strength even during difficult times.”
The statement recalled that at a press conference in March 2025, Kim Soo-hyun had promised,
“I will not ask you to believe me. I will definitely prove it.”
The agency said the past year had been spent solely keeping that promise, and he had now proven the truth through proper legal procedures and a thorough investigation. It concluded by thanking everyone who believed in and waited for him throughout the period.
This case has been ongoing since February 2025, when public allegations against Kim Soo-hyun surfaced following the death of actress Kim Sae-ron. The claims were made by YouTuber Kim Se-ui of Garo Sero Research Institute related to their past relationship.
Edited by Toshali Kritika