South Korean authorities have taken into custody a YouTuber accused of making slanderous allegations against renowned actor Kim Soo-hyun, a situation that has severely impacted the star’s career.
Police and prosecutors assert that Kim Se-ui, who operates the widely-followed YouTube channel Hover Lab, fabricated evidence to falsely assert that Kim Soo-hyun had a romantic relationship with an actress when she was a minor, claims that the actor has consistently denied.
On Tuesday, the Seoul Central District Court approved an arrest warrant for the YouTuber, citing fears that he might destroy evidence or attempt to flee.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Kim Soo-hyun’s management declared that “the truth has been established.”
They added, “The investigation verified that all allegations and evidence presented by Hover Lab against Kim Soo-hyun were baseless,” expressing gratitude to the fans who supported the actor during this tumultuous time.
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse before the ruling, Kim Se-ui refuted the allegations, claiming that the warrant “did not even properly organize the basic facts.”
He stated his intention to file complaints against the police and prosecutors involved in his arrest.
The claims against Kim Soo-hyun emerged last year, shortly after the tragic death of actress Kim Sae-ron at 24.
In the months following her passing, Hover Lab shared an audio recording purportedly featuring the actress claiming she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since middle school.
Authorities have since indicated that this recording was generated using artificial intelligence.
Additionally, law enforcement alleges that Kim Se-ui manipulated text message screenshots from the actress’s phone to create the illusion of communication between her and Kim Soo-hyun.
Hover Lab is known for its controversial content, often focusing on commentary related to politics and entertainment, as well as celebrity gossip.
The allegations against Kim Soo-hyun shocked fans across South Korea, where he is celebrated for his roles in numerous popular television dramas and numerous advertising campaigns.
According to police reports cited by news outlet JoongAng Ilbo, the claims made by Hover Lab “collapsed Kim Soo-hyun’s social standing and economic activities, undermining his professional viability.”
Authorities also revealed that the actor is currently undergoing psychiatric treatment.
Since a tearful press conference in March 2025, where he admitted to dating Kim Sae-ron for a year but clarified it was only after she reached adulthood, Kim Soo-hyun has refrained from making public appearances.
”I cannot confess to something I did not do,” he stated at that time.
In March 2025, he initiated criminal complaints and lawsuits against both the YouTuber and the family of the late actress for spreading falsehoods.
Kim Soo-hyun’s agency referenced his press conference in their recent statement on Wednesday.
”At a press conference a year ago, Kim Soo-hyun vowed, ‘I won’t ask you to believe me. I will certainly prove myself.’
The past year has been entirely devoted to fulfilling that promise.”
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong