In a dramatic escalation of one of South Korea’s most high-profile entertainment scandals, acclaimed actor Kim Soo-hyun has secured a major legal victory in his defamation battle against YouTuber Kim Se-eui, the figure behind the controversial Garo Sero Institute (Gaseyeon) channel. The Seoul Central District Court’s decision to provisionally seize two luxury Seoul apartments, collectively valued at approximately Dh32 million (~12 billion KRW or $8.8 million), marks a pivotal moment in a case that has gripped the nation and sparked debate about the dangers of digital defamation and AI deepfakes.
The Origins: Allegations, Deepfakes, and Legal Action
The dispute began in March 2025, when Kim Se-eui publicly accused Kim Soo-hyun of having an inappropriate relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron during her minor years, allegedly with her family’s support. These explosive claims were amplified at a press conference in May, where Kim Se-eui presented what he claimed was an audio recording of Kim Sae-ron confirming the relationship. This “evidence” was soon exposed as an AI-generated deepfake, intensifying public outrage and further damaging Kim Soo-hyun’s reputation.
Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, forcefully denied the allegations, asserting that any relationship began only after Kim Sae-ron reached adulthood in 2019. In response, they filed a criminal and civil lawsuit against Kim Se-eui and the Sae-ron family, seeking 12 billion KRW in damages for defamation, emotional distress, and reputational harm.
The Court’s Decision: Provisional Seizure of Luxury Assets
On June 9, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court approved Gold Medalist’s request for a provisional seizure of two upscale apartments owned by Kim Se-eui: a 120.27㎡ unit in Seocho Buksan Blooming and a 208.65㎡ unit in Apgujeong-dong’s prestigious Hanyang Apartment Complex 4. The Apgujeong property is co-owned with Kim Se-eui’s sister, so the court’s order targets only his 50% share, valued at about 4 billion KRW.
Legal experts emphasize that the court’s swift action, based solely on submitted documents without a formal hearing, signals that Kim Soo-hyun’s claims are compelling and well-substantiated. Attorney Noh Jong Eon noted, “The court likely found reasonable grounds in the claimed damages,” but cautioned that the final compensation could change after a comprehensive hearing and review of Kim Se-eui’s rebuttal.
The provisional seizure prevents Kim Se-eui from selling or transferring the properties, ensuring that assets remain available should Kim Soo-hyun ultimately prevail in court.
Financial and Legal Complexities
While the asset freeze is a significant win for Kim Soo-hyun, legal insiders point out a critical complication: both seized apartments have been used as collateral for substantial loans. This means that even if Kim Soo-hyun wins the case and is awarded damages, recovering the full 12 billion KRW may prove difficult due to the properties’ existing financial encumbrances.
The Seocho apartment is valued at roughly 2.5 billion KRW, while a similar Apgujeong unit recently sold for about 8.87 billion KRW. However, with heavy mortgages attached, the net recoverable amount could fall short of the total claimed damages.
Broader Implications: Defamation, AI Deepfakes, and the Korean Legal System
This case has become a flashpoint for broader societal concerns:
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Digital Defamation and AI Deepfakes: The use of an AI-generated audio file as “evidence” highlights the growing threat of deepfake technology in spreading false information and damaging reputations. The court’s willingness to take decisive action underscores the seriousness with which Korean authorities now treat digital defamation and privacy violations.
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Legal Strategy and Asset Seizure: The provisional asset freeze serves as a powerful legal tool, signaling the court’s preliminary support for the plaintiff’s claims and protecting potential compensation. However, its effectiveness is limited by the realities of property debt and the need for a full trial to determine final liability and damages.
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Ongoing Litigation: The case is far from over. Kim Se-eui’s rebuttal has yet to be reviewed, and the Sae-ron family has reportedly filed counterclaims against Kim Soo-hyun, alleging violations of the Child Welfare Act and false accusations. Additional lawsuits from advertisers and brands affected by the scandal are also reportedly in motion, further complicating the legal landscape.
Kim Soo-hyun’s legal triumph in freezing Dh32 million worth of assets is a landmark moment in his fight to clear his name and seek justice for reputational harm inflicted by false, AI-generated allegations. While the court’s provisional ruling is a strong endorsement of his claims, the path to actual financial recovery remains fraught with challenges due to existing property debts and the complexities of ongoing litigation.
Beyond the immediate parties, the case stands as a cautionary tale about the power and peril of digital media, the dangers of deepfake technology, and the evolving role of the legal system in protecting individuals from reputational harm in the digital age
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