Kim Se-eui sent to prosecutors in custody over AI voice manipulation of late actor Kim Sae-ron

Kim Se-eui, head of the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, has been transferred to prosecutors in custody on charges of spreading false information about actor Kim Soo-hyun. Kim is also suspected of using AI to fabricate and alter the voice of the late actor Kim Sae-ron and of manipulating messenger chat records.

The Seoul Gangnam Police Station said Thursday it had transferred Kim to prosecutors under detention on charges including defamation and violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes — specifically the filming and distribution of content using cameras or similar devices.

Kim is accused of spreading false claims on YouTube and other platforms alleging that Kim Soo-hyun had dated Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, and that pressure from Kim Soo-hyun's side to repay debts was the direct cause of her death.

Among the most serious allegations, Kim is accused of using AI to manipulate Kim Sae-ron's voice to fabricate a statement claiming she had first had sexual relations with Kim Soo-hyun during winter break of her second year of middle school, damaging Kim Soo-hyun's reputation. Police said Kim knew the content was false but acted anyway to attract public attention.

Kim was detained on May 26 and subsequently filed a request for a detention review, which was rejected May 31. Before his arrest, Kim appeared at the Seoul Central District Court for the pre-arrest hearing and denied all charges. He also announced plans to file a complaint against investigators involved in his case on charges of perverting the course of justice.