It’s been more than a year since news broke of the allegations against the once-popular South Korean model and actor, Kim Soo-hyun. The case shocked fans of Korean entertainment, coming during the peak of the actor’s popularity following his hit drama, Queen of Tears. After a year of investigation, the police have cleared the actor of the allegations. Now, he and his agency are suing back for defamation.
In March 2025, the actor was accused of dating the late Kim Sae-ron — who took her own life the previous month on his birthday — when she was underage. Moreover, the allegations say he and his agency, GOLDMEDALIST, pressured the late actress to repay a debt after her DUI case in 2022, ultimately pushing her to her death.
The actor denied all allegations in a tearful press conference last year. He did admit to briefly dating actress Kim Sae-ron, but only after she was of age (although he had known her personally since she was underage). He has not made any public appearances or statements until now.
Most recent updates on the Kim Soo-hyun case
These accusations came from the far-right YouTube channel Hover Lab (Garo Sero Research Institute), along with Kim Sae-ron’s family. Hover Lab posted a video with incriminating pictures, text messages, and audio recordings as evidence of their relationship. However, police have found that the evidence submitted to the court had been manipulated or AI-generated. As such, the actor was cleared of the allegations against him.
In response, Kim Soo-hyun and his agency sued Kim Se-ui, founder of Hover Lab, for defamation and fabrication of evidence. The Seoul Central District Court granted the warrant against Hover Lab, with concerns about his flight risk and potential to destroy evidence. The YouTuber was taken in by the police this week, denying all accusations.
This is not the first time Kim Se-ui and Hover Lab have gotten into legal trouble. The YouTube channel has been in hot water for defamation against several celebrities and politicians. Kim Se-ui was recently indicted without detention for defamation and stalking in another ongoing case against mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang.
Images: iMBC via Getty Images
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
