Actor Kim Soo-hyun appeared in court on November 11 to testify as a witness in the defamation trial of Kim Se-ui, the head of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, Yonhap News TV reported on November 12.
The Seoul Central District Court opened the first hearing in the case at 2 p.m. on November 11. Kim arrived at the courthouse about 20 minutes before the session began but did not appear before the press gathered outside, according to the report.
The court held the witness examination behind closed doors, citing the inclusion of a charge under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act. Before the proceedings moved into the closed session, Kim Se-ui’s side again denied the charges against him.
Prosecutors allege that Kim Se-ui, starting in March last year, broadcast claims about Kim Soo-hyun 25 times over nine months, alleging that the actor had dated the late Kim Sae-ron for six years, beginning when she was a minor. The case has been moving through the courts for months.
Investigators say Kim used photographs taken after both had become adults, edited chat screenshots, and fabricated audio to distort the facts. A forensic audio analysis by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office found signs that he used manipulated material without verifying even basic facts, according to earlier reporting.
Kim Se-ui was arrested and indicted on charges including defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, distributing filmed material under the Sexual Violence Punishment Act, and stalking. He is also accused of publishing a photograph of Kim Soo-hyun’s underwear, demanding an apology while threatening further exposes, and airing 34 more videos featuring the actor in defiance of a court order.
Separately, Kim Soo-hyun’s side has asked a court to order the removal of 45 videos posted on the Garo Sero channel and to ban reposting. At a November 4 hearing, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 51 asked for a more specific deletion scope, with a decision expected after further submissions from both sides.
Kim Se-ui has twice applied for bail at preparatory hearings, on October 15 and October 28, arguing that he poses no flight or evidence risk. The November 11 hearing marked the first time Kim Soo-hyun himself has testified in the case.
No statement from Kim Soo-hyun’s agency was included in the report. With the first hearing held, the trial now moves forward.
