YouTuber Referred to Prosecutors for Defamation Over 'Embezzlement' Claims Against Kim Sae-ron's Ex-Manager

YouTuber Kwon Young-chan (57), who has repeatedly leveled accusations such as “hospital bill embezzlement” and “grooming” at the late Kim Sae-ron’s former manager, identified as K, has been referred to prosecutors on defamation charges.

Seoul Seocho Police recently sent Kwon’s case to prosecutors on suspicion of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act. K filed a criminal complaint against Kwon for defamation and insult in June of last year.

On his YouTube channel “Kwon Youngchan TV,” Kwon revealed K’s real name and photo and repeatedly claimed that “K embezzled 5 million won in hospital fees from a hospital where Kim Sae-ron received treatment for self-harm,” “visited the hospital after her death to illegally access the deceased’s personal information,” and “isolated her from her family and groomed her.” He also used the phrase “sold off Kim Sae-ron” on air. Kwon additionally filed complaints against the hospital and K, alleging violations of the Medical Service Act, saying he would “expose the truth.”

Manager K countered that “none of it is true and it is severe defamation,” and pursued legal action. He has flatly denied revisiting the hospital after Kim’s death or any wrongdoing related to hospital payments.

The complaints Kwon filed, including alleged Medical Service Act violations, were dismissed with no charges.

K worked as Kim Sae-ron’s manager for about a year from January 2024 until roughly two months before her death. According to people around them, he accompanied her not only to shoots but also to medical treatment.

While Kwon’s complaints ended with no charges, K’s defamation case has advanced to the prosecution stage and will face legal judgment. K’s side stated that the “three months of false broadcasts are a grave infringement of personality rights,” signaling additional legal action.

Kwon did not respond to a request for comment on the defamation case involving manager K.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)