By Saurabh Katiyar | Seoul
South Korean authorities investigate alleged AI-manipulated evidence in Kim Sae-ron controversy
South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun’s controversy involving the late actress Kim Sae-ron has taken a shocking new turn after police reportedly concluded that false information may have been deliberately spread against the actor.
The scandal first exploded last March when allegations surfaced claiming Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor. The accusations triggered massive public backlash in South Korea and online, damaging the actor’s reputation and leading to lost endorsement deals and a temporary withdrawal from the entertainment industry.
Now, investigators believe the claims may have been intentionally manipulated.
According to South Korean reports, police have identified Kim Se-yi, the operator of the YouTube channel “Horizontal and Vertical Research Institute,” as a key suspect in the case. Authorities suspect he knowingly spread false claims regarding Kim Soo-hyun’s alleged relationship with an underage Kim Sae-ron.
Police believe the actions may constitute defamation under South Korean law.
Kim Sae-ron’s family had earlier claimed through the YouTube channel that Kim Soo-hyun began dating the actress in 2015, when she was still a minor, and that the relationship lasted six years.
However, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency strongly denied those allegations from the beginning. The actor’s side insisted the two only briefly dated after Kim Sae-ron became an adult.
Police Suspect Planned Spread of False Information
The investigation has now expanded beyond Kim Se-yi.
Police reportedly added a lawyer connected to Kim Sae-ron’s family as another subject of investigation. Authorities believe the lawyer may have helped distribute and reproduce the controversial information online.
Investigators suspect the allegations may have been part of a coordinated effort designed to damage Kim Soo-hyun’s image.
Even more serious are claims involving possible AI manipulation.
Police reportedly believe some of the released “conversation evidence” may have been altered using artificial intelligence technology. Investigators said the actual identities behind the messages could not be verified.
Authorities allege the material was intentionally presented as genuine chat records between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron despite questions about authenticity.
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Arrest Review Scheduled This Week
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office has formally requested an arrest warrant for Kim Se-yi.
He faces allegations connected to violations of South Korea’s Sexual Violence Crime Punishment Act. Officials are expected to review the arrest request during a court hearing scheduled for the 26th.
The case has attracted huge attention across South Korea because of Kim Soo-hyun’s massive popularity in the entertainment industry.
Fans and industry observers say the controversy severely affected the actor’s public image despite his repeated denials.
The investigation also raised broader concerns about the growing use of AI technology to manipulate digital evidence and spread misinformation online.
Legal experts warn that fabricated chat records and altered digital content could become a major challenge for future celebrity investigations and public scandals.
Neither Kim Se-yi nor representatives connected to Kim Sae-ron’s family have publicly responded in detail to the latest police findings.
As the investigation continues, South Korean media expect more legal and political debate surrounding online defamation, AI-generated evidence and celebrity privacy rights.
