[FACT] Investigation Concludes Key Claims Against #KimSoohyun Were Not True
Actor Kim Soohyun has been at the center of various claims raised by the YouTube channel Gaseyeon, and its head, Kim Seui, has now been sent to trial while being held in custody.
The prosecution said that during the investigation, it found that the main claims about Kim Soohyun were false. It also said that AI-generated voice recordings and altered materials were found.
On the 23rd, the Women and Children Crime Investigation Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office (Chief Prosecutor Park Jina) charged Kim Seui with defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, violation of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act (sharing illegal recordings), and violation of the Stalking Punishment Act.
The prosecution said, “After the police sent the case to us, we carried out more investigation, including interviewing the victim and examining audio files through the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office Forensic Science Division. We found that the defendant edited and changed materials on his own, or shared the victim’s private life without basic fact-checking, causing serious harm.”
From March to May last year, Kim Seui repeatedly claimed through YouTube broadcasts and press conferences that the late Kim Saeron had been dating Kim Soohyun since she was a minor, and that pressure from Kim Soohyun to repay debts led to her death.
The prosecution decided that these claims were not true.
It was also reported that the investigation found signs that recordings using Kim Saeron’s voice, created through generative AI, were used in broadcasts and press conferences.
Earlier, in its request for an arrest warrant, the police stated, “Kim Seui spread false information even though he knew that Kim Soohyun had not dated the deceased when she was a minor, and that Kim Soohyun was not responsible for her death.”
The police also concluded that the audio file played during a press conference in May last year had been created using AI.
Kim Seui is also accused of showing Kim Soohyun’s private photos during broadcasts and mentioning more disclosures while demanding a public apology.
On May 26, the court issued an arrest warrant for Kim Seui, saying there were concerns that he could destroy evidence or flee. Kim Seui’s side later asked for a review of the detention, but the court rejected the request, saying that there was no valid reason to approve it.
The prosecution said, “We will take a zero-tolerance approach to harmful content crimes that spread fake news and encourage public attacks on specific people under the excuse of public interest or private punishment in online spaces.”
With this indictment, the dispute over the claims surrounding Kim Soohyun, which has continued for several months, has now moved to the court for a legal decision.
https://t.co/JAiFUiCtCa
[0624] Why There Is So Much Interest in the Release of #KimSoohyun’s “#KnockOff?
Knock-Off is not just another new series. Public interest in the release of Disney+’s series Knock-Off, starring Kim Soohyun, continues to grow day after day.
It is natural for a new project to attract attention when it is released, but the atmosphere surrounding Knock-Off is a little different this time. Beyond being a highly anticipated work, it is being seen as one of the most talked-about pieces of content this year, and its release was put on hold for various reasons. So why is there such strong attention on the release of Knock-Off?
■ First, the presence of the “trusted actor” Kim Soohyun
Above all, the biggest reason is the influence carried by the name Kim Soohyun itself. Through dramas such as #MoonEmbracingTheSun, #MyLoveFromTheStar, #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay, and #QueenOfTears, Kim Soohyun has built a global fandom that goes beyond Korea.
With every project, he has proven both commercial success and strong buzz, earning the reputation of being a “guarantee for success.” In particular, Kim Soohyun has continued to expand his range as an actor by showing a completely different side of himself in each role. Because of this, viewers naturally wonder, “What kind of Kim Soohyun will we see this time?”
■ Second, it draws attention as a crime-black comedy genre
Knock-Off stands out because it is a crime-black comedy set in the counterfeit goods market. A story that deals with a modern society where the line between luxury goods and fakes, and between real and fake, has become blurred is more than enough to spark public curiosity.
In particular, as online platforms and global distribution networks have expanded, the issue of counterfeit goods is no longer a story limited to a certain region. The series is expected to go beyond a simple crime story and deliver a social message that looks into desire, success, and the hidden side of capitalism.
■ Third, global interest created by the OTT era
The growth of OTT platforms is also a reason why interest has increased. In the past, domestic ratings were the standard for success, but now viewers around the world consume content the moment it is released.
As the influence of K-content continues to grow, Kim Soohyun’s new project is attracting attention not only in Korea but also from fans across Asia, North America, and Europe. In fact, overseas online communities and social media have already been filled with character analyses and story predictions even before the release, raising expectations even higher.
■ Fourth, curiosity about “Kim Soohyun’s transformation”
For an actor, success can sometimes become a burden. The stronger the image from a previous project, the harder it can be to take on a new character. However, Kim Soohyun has used that burden as motivation for transformation in his acting.
Knock-Off is also known to move away from his existing romance-centered image and present a more complex and layered character, increasing fans’ expectations. In other words, the public is not simply waiting for the story. They are curious about the new face and emotional depth that Kim Soohyun will bring.
■ Fifth, the buzz that was built even before release
What is interesting is that even before its release, Knock-Off has already become a cultural issue of its own. News about the casting, the scale of production, the genre, and the global release strategy have all come together to naturally build excitement.
Even in an era flooded with content, it is uncommon for a single project to remain a topic of discussion for such a long time. This also means that the public sees Knock-Off not simply as content to consume, but as content worth waiting for.
https://t.co/qUxPpbmJJQ
Mabuhay Ka Kim Soo-hyun 🇵🇭🤍 So happy to see his comeback in the Philippines with Bench! Thank you so much, Sir Ben Chan and Bench Team, for your continued trust and support. Excited for this new chapter with Soohyun again!
#KimSoohyun#BENCHXKIMSOOHYUN
Hello @benchtm 👋🇬🇧🇵🇭
We recently discovered that BENCH does not currently have a physical store in the United Kingdom, but that has not stopped the British fandom from wanting to support a brand that continues to show love to our beloved Kim Soo Hyun.
London For Kim Soo Hyun would like to purchase @benchtm items in bulk for a fan giveaway. This giveaway will be fully fan funded and organised by our team as a way to support BENCH, to celebrate Kim Soo Hyun, and share the love with fans.
We would be very grateful if someone from your team could kindly send us a DM or guide us to the right contact for bulk purchasing and international shipping options.
Our wallets may be nervous😂🤭, but our hearts are ready. Thank you in advance 🙏🏻🫶🏻🌹
#KimSooHyun #BENCHxKimSooHyun
SUPPORTING THE BRANDS THAT SUPPORT HIM
#FansSupportBENCH
I find it interesting how quickly social media can decide someone’s guilt before all the facts are known.
If Kim Soo-hyun committed a crime, then he should face the consequences just like anyone else. But if allegations cannot be proven, then people should be careful about treating accusations as established facts.
We should also remember that an actor’s work and an actor’s personal life are not necessarily the same thing. Everyone is free to decide whether they want to support or boycott a celebrity. That is a personal choice.
What I disagree with is the idea that people who still enjoy someone’s movies should be attacked simply because they reached a different conclusion based on the available evidence.
Criticize, question, investigate, and demand accountability when necessary. But accusations alone should not automatically become convictions in the court of public opinion.
In the end, facts matter more than rumors, and evidence matters more than emotions.
Dear @benchtm ❤️The entire Kim Soo Hyun fandom is overflowing with a lot excitement after hearing the wonderful news of his upcoming return.
While we eagerly wait for the new advertisement, we are rewatching this iconic BENCH campaign to celebrate, smile, and relive the memories. It feels like the beginning of a beautiful new chapter, and fans around the world cannot wait to see what comes next.
Thank you for standing with Kim Soo Hyun. Support deserves support. 🥂🌹🫶🏻
#KimSooHyun
#WeStandWithKimSooHyun
THE WORLD IS READY FOR SOOHYUN'S RETURN
#BENCHxKIMSOOHYUN
#GlobalBENCHSetter
#WelcomeBackKimSooHyun
#ForeverWithKimSooHyun
#GlobalFandomForTruth
🌹🥂❤️🌍😭🫶🏻
#KimSooHyun resumes activities after nearly a year, set to film BENCH commercial in the Philippines on July 14 amid ongoing scrutiny. - Reports
#HallyuForums#Hallyu
[OFFICIAL] Actor #KimSoohyun Returns from Hiatus, Resumes Activities on July 14
According to an official from Kim Soohyun’s agency on the 8th, Kim Soohyun will take part in a commercial photoshoot for the Philippine fashion brand BENCH on July 14.
https://t.co/6ecedGfHku
김수현 힘들고 아픈시간 견디고 증명해줘서 고마와🥺😭
🪨팀수현 안아🥺😭🫂 @khosangrock 감사합니다🙏🏻👍🏻
"무엇보다 긴 시간 김수현 씨를 응원하며 함께해 주신 팬 여러분께 진심으로 감사드립니다. 팬 여러분의 믿음과 응원은 힘든 시간 속에서도 큰 힘이 되었습니다."
Suddenly everyone wants to be Associated with Kim Soohyun wow 😳 the same KSH they all quickly unfollowed & tagged at the height of the Scandal but under a week he's the darling of all. Hope we all find a lesson or two to learn here. Soohyun Thank you for fighting for yourself.