Kim Se-ui, the representative of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute who is currently in custody, has filed a request for a closed trial one day before the first hearing in the case involving mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jung-won).

The Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 20, is scheduled to hold the first trial hearing for Kim at 4:30 PM on June 25. Kim has been indicted on charges including defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, violation of the Stalking Punishment Act, and intimidation.

According to court records, Kim's legal counsel submitted a written opinion along with a request for a closed trial to the court on June 24. The specific reasons for the request for a closed trial have not been disclosed.

Kim had previously requested to change the date of the trial twice, but both requests were denied. Subsequently, he changed his legal counsel ahead of the trial and has now requested a closed trial just one day before the first hearing.

Under Article 109 of the Constitution, criminal trials are required to be open to the public in principle. However, exceptions for closed trials may be granted if there is a risk of significantly harming national security or public order, if there is a risk of harming public morals, or if there are specific legal grounds such as the protection of victims of sexual violence.

Attention is now focused on whether the court will accept the request filed by Kim's side.

According to the prosecution, Kim is accused of repeatedly disclosing information regarding Tzuyang's private life and spreading false information through his YouTube broadcasts. The prosecution believes that Kim produced and distributed sensational content for the purpose of generating revenue, such as soliciting donations, and caused irreparable harm to Tzuyang by coercing her into airing a clarification broadcast.

Meanwhile, Kim has also been indicted while in custody on charges of spreading false information regarding actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron.

(SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kang Kyung-yoon)