Read, Watch or Listen

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean authorities have scheduled an arrest warrant hearing for YouTuber and former television journalist Kim Se-eui at the Seoul Central District Court on May 26, 2026, following a police request linked to complaints filed by actor Kim Soo-hyun. Prosecutors allege that Kim used artificial intelligence tools to fabricate digital evidence, including manipulated text message screenshots and AI-generated audio clips, as part of a scheme to distribute falsified material for financial profit. Investigative documents state that the audio was designed to imitate the voice of the late actress Kim Sae-ron and that the content falsely claimed Kim Soo-hyun had a romantic relationship with her while she was legally a minor and pressured her to resolve financial debts. The circulated material allegedly suggested that the financial pressure contributed to the circumstances surrounding the actress’s death, claims that triggered intense public backlash against Kim Soo-hyun, the indefinite delay of a major entertainment project, and the suspension of his public professional activities. Legal representatives for Kim Soo-hyun say the fabricated allegations caused him severe emotional distress and led him to undergo formal psychiatric treatment before he held a televised press conference to publicly deny the accusations and clarify that any relationship occurred only after she reached adulthood. After the press conference, criminal complaints for defamation and distribution of fabricated digital files were filed against Kim Se-eui and members of the actress’s family. Kim later posted the prosecution’s requested arrest warrant on his own channel, criticized prosecutors, and asked to be detained at the same facility as former President Yoon Suk Yeol, while the court prepares to decide at the upcoming hearing whether he will remain in custody pending trial.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.