Gold Medalist, the agency representing actor Kim Soo-hyun, announced that it will take legal action against the distribution of false information and acts of defamation and character assassination.
Through an announcement on October 14, Gold Medalist stated, "Regarding the false claim that Mr. Kim Soo-hyun dated the deceased when she was a minor, as well as the claims of Child Welfare Act violations raised based on this premise, the investigative authorities examined relevant materials and facts, concluded that the charges could not be substantiated, and made a decision not to refer the case for prosecution citing no suspicion." The agency continued, "It has been confirmed that the series of claims raised against Mr. Kim Soo-hyun lack factual and objective grounds, and this matter is no longer at the stage of an unverified debate, but is a falsehood proven through official investigation results."
The agency warned, "Kim Se-ui, the operator of Hover Lab who first raised and continuously spread the false claims, has been sent to trial under arrest on charges including defamation by disclosing false information under the Information and Communications Network Act," adding, "Continuing to cite the claims made by Kim Se-ui, or reposting, sharing, and redistributing them as if they were true, constitutes an additional unlawful act that perpetuates and magnifies the criminal harm."
The agency also took issue with the amplification and reproduction of screens, thumbnails, photos, captured images, and other materials used in Hover Lab's broadcasts.
The agency stated, "This can be viewed as an act of malicious further harm against a crime victim and a deliberate magnification of the damage," adding, "We will clearly demonstrate to investigative authorities and the courts that such acts are intentional dissemination, and we will take all legal measures to ensure that severe punishment and accountability are imposed."
In March of last year, Hover Lab raised allegations that Kim Soo-hyun had been dating the late Kim Sae-ron since she was a minor, and Kim Soo-hyun's side has pursued legal action, stating that the claims were groundless. Hover Lab CEO Kim Se-ui, who raised the allegations, was arrested on May 26 on charges including defamation and spreading false information regarding Kim Soo-hyun, was subsequently indicted under detention, and is currently standing trial.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.