First Trial for Kim Se-eui on Defamation Charges Involving Tzuyang... Standing Trial While Detained

The first trial for Kim Se-eui, head of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, who was indicted for allegedly spreading false information about YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jung-won), will be held on the 13th.

Judge Jung Ah-young of Criminal Division 20 at the Seoul Central District Court will hold the first trial hearing for Kim at 11:10 a.m. today on charges including violations of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, Etc. (Defamation), violations of the Act on Punishment of Stalking Crimes, and intimidation.

Kim is accused of producing and distributing provocative content using Tzuyang's private life for the purpose of generating profit through fundraising via donation accounts. He is also charged with coercing Tzuyang into broadcasting explanations regarding the allegations he exposed and maliciously slandering her. The investigation into this case began when Tzuyang's side filed a complaint with the Seoul Gangnam Police Station in July of last year, and the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office's Women and Children Crime Investigation Division 2 indicted Kim without detention on March 31.

This trial was originally scheduled for its first hearing on April 20, but was delayed for nearly four months as Kim changed his legal counsel and repeatedly submitted requests to change the hearing date. On June 24, Kim submitted a request to close the trial to the public, followed by a notice of absence the next day. In response, Judge Jung stated her policy not to permit further date changes and warned that she could consider issuing a bench warrant for the next date.

Prior to this, Kim urged supporters via a letter from prison released on the Garo Sero Research Institute channel on the 11th to come to the court in large numbers to show support. In the letter, while complaining about the difficulties of prison life amid the sweltering heat, he reportedly expressed his intention to boldly step into the courtroom, even if it means appearing in a prison uniform.

Meanwhile, separately from this case, Kim is currently incarcerated after being indicted and detained on charges of spreading false information regarding the relationship between the late actor Kim Sae-ron and actor Kim Soo-hyun. He is accused of fabricating and distributing fake social media chat screens and audio files using artificial intelligence, claiming that Kim Soo-hyun had a six-year relationship with Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, and a separate trial related to this is scheduled for the 14th.

(Photo: Yonhap News) (Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon, SBS Entertainment News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.