Kim Soo-hyun will come face to face with Kim Se-ui in court next week, when the actor appears as a witness at the defamation trial of the YouTube channel head accused of spreading false claims about him, MyDaily reported on November 6.
The hearing is set for 2 p.m. on November 11 at the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 26, presided over by Judge Lee Hyun-kyung. The witness examination will be held behind closed doors to protect the victim, legal sources told the outlet.
Kim Se-ui, head of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, 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. Prosecutors allege that from March last year, Kim broadcast claims about Kim Soo-hyun 25 times over nine months, alleging the actor had dated the late Kim Sae-ron for six years, starting when she was a minor.
The prosecution’s investigation found that Kim used photos taken after both had become adults, arbitrarily edited KakaoTalk chat screenshots, and fabricated audio recordings to distort the facts, the report said. A forensic audio analysis by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office turned up signs that Kim used manipulated material without verifying even basic facts.
Kim is also accused of publishing a photo of Kim Soo-hyun’s underwear and of demanding an apology and an admission of the relationship while threatening further exposes. Prosecutors further allege he aired 34 additional videos containing Kim Soo-hyun’s real name and photos 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 hearing on November 4, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 51, led by Judge Hwang In-seong, asked for a more specific deletion scope, and a decision is expected after both sides submit additional opinions and evidence.
The case has been moving through the courts for months. Kim Se-ui has twice applied for bail at preparatory hearings, on October 15 and October 28, arguing he poses no flight or evidence risk. The November 11 hearing marks the first time Kim Soo-hyun himself is set to testify in the case.
No official statement from Kim Soo-hyun’s agency was included in the report. The closed-door testimony is the next key date in the case.
