SEOUL – AI used to fake evidence that ended the Korean actor’s career, say police
South Korean police are seeking an arrest warrant for a YouTuber accused of fabricating and spreading AI-generated and manipulated materials that allegedly defamed actor Kim Soo-hyun and triggered a scandal that derailed his career.
Authorities said the suspect manipulated screenshots of text messages and circulated an audio recording created using artificial intelligence, presenting them as evidence that Kim had dated actress Kim Sae-ron when she was still a minor.
The allegations emerged last year following the death of Kim Sae-ron at the age of 24. The controversy quickly escalated online and led to widespread public scrutiny of Kim Soo-hyun, one of South Korea’s most prominent actors, who has consistently denied the accusations.
Investigators allege that the YouTuber, identified as Kim Se-ui, knowingly disseminated false information for financial gain. He reportedly has close to one million subscribers on his channel.
Months after Kim Sae-ron’s death, the YouTuber uploaded what he claimed was a voice recording of the late actress stating that she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since middle school. He also published screenshots of alleged text messages between the two.
Police now say the audio was generated using AI, while the message screenshots were altered to falsely suggest communications between the actor and actress.
In a filing cited by South Korean media outlet JoongAng Ilbo, authorities said the actions “collapsed Kim Soo-hyun’s social base and his economic activities across the board, and destroyed the basis for his professional survival.” Police also noted that Kim is currently undergoing psychiatric treatment.
The YouTuber has rejected the allegations, calling them a “subterfuge meant to disrupt his investigation.”
Following the spread of the claims, rumors circulated widely online alleging that Kim Soo-hyun had dated Kim Sae-ron when she was 15 years old. The actress’ family later supported the allegations, further intensifying public attention.
Kim Soo-hyun’s agency initially denied any relationship. The actor later acknowledged that he had dated Kim Sae-ron, but said the relationship occurred only after she had reached adulthood.
At a press conference in March 2025, Kim denied ever dating her while she was underage, stating, “I can’t admit to something I didn’t do.” He subsequently filed criminal complaints and lawsuits against the YouTuber and members of Kim Sae-ron’s family.
Since the controversy, Kim has largely withdrawn from public life. A Disney+ production he was involved in, “Knock-Off,” has been placed on indefinite hold.
Kim Soo-hyun and his agency have not yet issued a statement regarding the police request for an arrest warrant.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
