Police conclude AI-generated audio and edited messages were used in false claims linking Kim Sae Ron and Kim Soo Hyun

South Korean police have concluded that claims alleging actor Kim Soo Hyun was in a relationship with the late Kim Sae Ron during her minor years are false, according to a court filing cited by local media.

According to a detention warrant application submitted by the Seoul Gangnam Police Station and reviewed by JoongAng Ilbo on May 21, investigators said Kim Se Eui, head of the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, allegedly spread false information about Kim Soo Hyun for financial gain, including YouTube revenue. Police stated that the suspect was aware there was no factual basis for claims that Kim Soo Hyun dated Kim Sae Ron while she was a minor, yet still distributed the information to defame him.

Investigators also said a lawyer representing the bereaved family was additionally booked as a suspect. Police stated that the lawyer allegedly provided materials to Kim Se Eui and helped spread and amplify the claims in a coordinated manner, describing the activity as organized.

Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representative, attorney Koh Sang Rok, said on social media on May 20 that the actor’s side did not file a complaint against the bereaved family’s lawyer. He added that investigators appear to have independently upgraded the individual to suspect status as a co conspirator, calling it an unusual step.

Police further said the false claims caused serious damage to Kim Soo Hyun’s career and personal life, including contract terminations from multiple advertisers and civil damages claims linked to social controversy clauses. Total claims were reported to be about 17.4 billion kRW (approximately 12.5 million USD).

Authorities cited risks of flight, evidence destruction, and coordination between suspects as reasons for requesting detention. They also said the accused did not merely pass along third party materials but altered them to make them appear as key evidence supporting the allegations. Police added that the mobile phone used by Kim Sae Ron before her death has not yet been submitted to investigators.

Separately, Kim Se Eui denied the allegations, claiming the detention request was intended to interfere with his reporting activities. In a livestream, he said the timing was meant to disrupt his planned investigative reporting abroad.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office reportedly filed the detention warrant on May 20 on charges under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, including illegal filming and distribution. A detention hearing is scheduled for May 26 at the Seoul Central District Court.

Police also said KakaoTalk messages previously presented as evidence of a relationship were altered, with screenshots edited and the chat partner’s name changed to Kim Soo Hyun. They also concluded that an audio recording presented as evidence at a press conference was generated using artificial intelligence, and dismissed related allegations including coercion and violence against a whistleblower as false.