HoverLab operator Kim Se Ui arrested over alleged defamation of Kim Soo Hyun, court cites risk of evidence tampering

Kim Se Ui, the operator of the controversial YouTube channel HoverLab (Garo Sero Research Institute), has ultimately been taken into custody. The court ruled that there were concerns over the destruction of evidence and the risk of flight as he faces accusations of repeatedly spreading false claims involving actor Kim Soo Hyun.

On May 26, Judge Boo Dong Sik of the Seoul Central District Court conducted a pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant review hearing) for Kim Se Ui before issuing an arrest warrant. He is accused of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (including illegal filming and distribution using cameras), as well as defamation, threats, and attempted coercion.

Previously, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station requested an arrest warrant for Kim Se Ui, which prosecutors later formally filed with the court. Police reportedly determined that Kim Se Ui repeatedly circulated false information related to Kim Soo Hyun for purposes including generating YouTube revenue.

In particular, investigators believe Kim Se Ui edited and manipulated portions of KakaoTalk conversation screenshots that had allegedly been provided by the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron. Authorities reportedly found signs that seven sections had been altered, including changing the conversation participant’s name to “Kim Soo Hyun.”

Police also raised suspicions during the investigation that an audio recording of Kim Sae Ron previously revealed during a press conference may have been generated using AI technology. Investigators reportedly concluded that Kim Se Ui knowingly spread false information with malicious intent despite allegedly being aware that Kim Soo Hyun had not dated the late actress while she was a minor and that her death was not caused by him.

However, Kim Se Ui strongly denied all allegations. After completing the warrant hearing, he told reporters, “I do not admit to any of the charges and plan to refute everything,” adding that the warrant was “sloppy and lacking even basic fact-checking.”

Regarding the controversial audio recording, Kim Se Ui argued, “The National Forensic Service said it is impossible to determine whether it was AI-manipulated,” and claimed it was unreasonable to rely solely on analysis conducted by a private company commissioned by Kim Soo Hyun’s side.