Lee Jeong Seop, screenwriter of 'Real,' referred to prosecution on defamation charges involving Kim Soo Hyun

Film director and screenwriter Lee Jeong Seop, who wrote the screenplay for 'Real,' has been referred to prosecutors on defamation charges in connection with actor Kim Soo Hyun, authorities have confirmed.

Attorney Yang Tae Young of Law Firm DOAH, the legal representative for the complainant, told SBS Entertainment News that they received a notice from the Seoul Gangnam Police Station stating that the suspect’s charges were acknowledged and the case had been forwarded to the prosecution. The complaint was reportedly filed at the request of a coalition of Kim Soo Hyun’s fans.

The complainant’s side has argued that Lee spread statements on social media that characterized Kim Soo Hyun as a “child sex offender,” thereby damaging the actor’s reputation. Following its investigation, police concluded there were grounds for the charges and transferred the case to prosecutors. A referral, however, does not constitute a finding of guilt, and further investigation and legal review by the prosecution will follow.

Lee has continued to post on social media about controversies surrounding Kim Soo Hyun and the film 'Real,' as well as allegations related to the late Kim Sae Ron and what he has described as connections among the entertainment industry, media, and the legal field. In some posts, he reportedly shared other individuals’ claims, raising suspicions about Kim Soo Hyun, and added comments such as “the same operation,” while strongly criticizing matters related to the actor.

At the time, Lee stated that he did not have the authority to issue an official explanation regarding 'Real' due to the absence of a directing credit, but he nonetheless published posts explaining the open audition process and casting background. Released in 2017, 'Real' experienced production difficulties in its final stages after Lee stepped down from the director’s role.

Separately, following the sudden death of Kim Sae Ron on February 16, 2025, her bereaved family made disclosures via the YouTube channel Hoverlab, including claims involving an alleged relationship during her minor years. Kim Soo Hyun’s side has denied the allegations and, since March, has pursued legal action, including complaints for defamation, false accusation, and violations of anti stalking laws, as well as a civil lawsuit seeking approximately 12 billion KRW (about 9.2 million USD) in damages.

Whether Lee Jeong Seop will be formally indicted, and under which legal standards, will depend on the outcome of the prosecution’s investigation.