A YouTuber used fake AI audio to ruin a top actor's life.
Prosecutors are seeking an arrest warrant for Kim Se-ui after he allegedly used manipulated AI recordings to smear actor Kim Soo-hyun.
It is a nightmare scenario where a few clicks of a mouse can destroy a person's reputation forever. We trust our ears to tell us the truth, but that trust is now being used as a weapon.
What Happened
South Korean prosecutors are moving to arrest Kim Se-ui, who runs the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute. They claim he spread false stories about actor Kim Soo-hyun, a massive star in the K-drama world.
The drama started after the tragic death of actress Kim Sae-ron in February 2025. The YouTuber claimed the two actors had a secret relationship while she was still a minor.
To back up these claims, the channel shared screenshots and an audio recording. The actor denied the claims and said the audio was fake. He filed a criminal complaint, leading to a police investigation into the source of the files.
What the money/evidence shows
- Kim Se-ui faces a pre-arrest hearing on May 26 at Seoul Central District Court.
- The YouTuber allegedly used generative AI to create a fake audio recording.
- The recording was meant to prove a relationship began when the actress was underage.
- Kim Soo-hyun admitted to dating the actress but stated it only began after she was an adult.
- The National Forensic Service analyzed the file but returned an inconclusive result.
The Bigger Question
We have to ask how much power we give to online creators who act as judge and jury. When a channel has a massive following, they can shape public opinion before the truth ever comes out.
Are we ready for a world where "proof" can be generated in seconds? This case shows that even if a recording is fake, the damage to a person's career and mental health is very real.
The Other Side
The YouTuber has maintained his stance throughout the investigation, though his defense has not provided a clear explanation for the origin of the audio files. Given the forensic uncertainty, his legal team may argue that the evidence is not strong enough to prove criminal intent.
What Happens Now
This case will likely set a major precedent for how South Korean courts handle AI-based defamation. If the YouTuber is convicted, it could lead to stricter laws on how digital content is verified before it is shared with millions of people.
For regular people, this is a warning to be skeptical of what you hear online. Just because a video or audio clip sounds real does not mean it is.
What We Still Don't Know
- Why was the forensic analysis unable to confirm if the audio was manipulated?
- How many other creators are using similar AI tools to target public figures?
- Will the actor be able to recover his career after being out of the public eye for so long?
Source Note
All charges are allegations - Kim Se-ui is presumed innocent until proven guilty.