**Kim Se-ui Arrested: Hover Lab Operator Faces Defamation Charges, AI Deepfake Accusations in Actor Kim Soo-hyun Case**
In a significant legal development this Tuesday, the Seoul Central District Court **granted** an arrest warrant for Kim Se-ui, the operator of the popular YouTube channel Hover Lab. Kim Se-ui stands accused of severely defaming renowned actor Kim Soo-hyun. The charges include falsely claiming that Kim Soo-hyun had a relationship with a late actress when she was a minor, and alleging that pressure from his side regarding a debt ultimately led to her death early last year. This pivotal decision marks a serious turn in the ongoing controversy.
Further escalating the gravity of the accusations, the YouTuber is also charged with creating and disseminating doctored audio recordings of the late actress. Utilizing sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technology, these fabricated recordings were used to falsely claim she had sexual relations with actor Kim Soo-hyun during her middle school years, adding a deeply disturbing dimension to the defamation case.
Gold Medalist, the agency representing actor Kim Soo-hyun, issued a statement expressing profound relief and gratitude. “At last, the truth has been proven through a legally established process and a thorough probe,” the agency stated. “We deeply thank investigative authorities for their diligent efforts in uncovering the truth based on objective evidence.”
The agency emphatically noted that the various damaging allegations propagated by the YouTuber have been conclusively confirmed as false. Furthermore, the court has acknowledged the extreme gravity of the charges brought against Kim Se-ui, which include not only defamation but also blackmail, underscoring the severity of his alleged actions.
Reflecting on the actor’s challenging journey, Gold Medalist highlighted his unwavering resolve. “At a press conference held a year ago, [actor Kim Soo-hyun] vowed to prove the truth. The past year for him has been solely devoted to keeping that promise,” the agency shared, extending heartfelt thanks to everyone who believed in Kim Soo-hyun and offered support during this difficult period.
The controversial allegations were initially raised by Hover Lab in March 2025, following the tragic discovery of the actress’s body at her home the previous month. Her death, at the age of 24, was ruled an apparent suicide, sparking widespread public interest and speculation.
Later that same month, actor Kim Soo-hyun held his own press conference to address the accusations directly. He acknowledged a past romantic relationship with the late actress but vehemently rejected the claims that their relationship took place while she was a minor. In a move to seek justice and clear his name, Kim Soo-hyun subsequently filed defamation complaints against both the YouTuber, Kim Se-ui, and the late actress’s family, initiating his own legal battle against the false claims.
