Kim Se-hee, the head of the Garoseyro Research Institute, has categorically denied allegations of spreading false information about popular YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jeong-won) during his first court appearance. He is also facing a defamation case involving actor Kim Soo-hyun.
On August 13, Judge Jeong Ah-young of the Seoul Central District Court presided over the hearing concerning Kim's alleged violations of the Information and Communications Network Act, the Stalking Punishment Act, and threats. A previous hearing on June 25 was postponed due to Kim's absence.
Dressed in a yellow prison uniform, Kim rejected the prosecution's claims, asserting that they misrepresented his statements.
"The prosecutor broadly claimed that I made false statements," he said. "They forced in things I did not say regarding the Tzuyang case."
He further explained that his broadcasts aimed to expose crimes committed by YouTubers Jujakgambeolsa (real name Jeon Guk-jin) and Gujae-yeok (real name Lee Jun-hee), who allegedly extorted money from Tzuyang.
Kim's attorney also denied the defamation charges, arguing that there was no intent to slander. Regarding the stalking allegations, the defense contended that the YouTube broadcasts were public and did not constitute direct contact with Tzuyang.
Kim's team requested three witnesses to confirm facts related to Tzuyang's private life. The court accepted this request but cautioned about the potential for secondary harm.
Judge Jeong stated, "If there is a belief that secondary harm exists, I will prohibit certain questions," and advised the defense to consider withdrawing some inquiries if they could lead to significant harm.
According to prosecutors, Kim is accused of continuously producing and distributing content related to Tzuyang's private life for profit through fundraising accounts. He is also alleged to have repeatedly threatened Tzuyang by demanding a clarification broadcast and warning of further revelations. Kim was indicted without detention in March.
The court also heard cases related to Democratic Party lawmaker Ko Min-jeong and defamation incidents involving the late Pyo Ye-rim, who had reported on a group sexual assault case in Miryang and school violence. Kim's defense claimed that these broadcasts were made for public interest and denied all related charges.
The next hearing for the Tzuyang case is scheduled for October 15, where the court will examine evidence related to Kim's broadcasts.
On August 14, the Seoul Central District Court will hold the first hearing regarding Kim's defamation charges against Kim Soo-hyun, which include violations of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act and the Stalking Punishment Act. Kim is accused of spreading false information suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun had a relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron since her minor years. Prosecutors allege that Kim used edited KakaoTalk conversations and false audio recordings to broadcast related content on YouTube.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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