Kim Se-woo, the head of the Garoseyoro Research Institute, who has been indicted for spreading false information about actor Kim Soo-hyun, raised his voice during his first trial but was reprimanded by the court.
The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 26, presided over by Judge Lee Hyun-kyung, held the first hearing on November 11 regarding the charges of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act and violations of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act.
Wearing a green prison uniform, Kim Se-woo completely denied the allegations. His attorney stated, "We deny all charges," asserting that the claims made during broadcasts were not false and were verified through related materials obtained from the bereaved family.
Kim Se-woo reiterated, "The relationship between the two is factual, and the recorded files are not fabricated." As he raised his voice during his statements, the court warned him, saying, "Do not shout," and added, "If it continues, we will intervene."
He also requested, "In a detained state, I cannot verify or investigate any materials. Please allow bail as soon as possible so that I can fairly contest in court against Kim Soo-hyun."
Considering the protection of Kim Soo-hyun's privacy, the court conducted witness questioning in private. The court decided to separate the two to prevent Kim Soo-hyun from having difficulty testifying in front of Kim Se-woo.
In response, Kim Se-woo protested, stating, "I have the right to directly question the witness." However, the court insisted, "Ask through your attorney," and ordered Kim Se-woo to leave the courtroom.
Kim Soo-hyun arrived at the court around 1:40 PM, avoiding the press. The private witness questioning began at 2:40 PM and lasted approximately four and a half hours, concluding at 7:10 PM.
The legal battle between the two began in March of last year when the Garoseyoro Research Institute raised allegations about Kim Soo-hyun's relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron.
At that time, the institute claimed that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since her minor years and that pressure from Kim Soo-hyun's side regarding debt repayment influenced Kim Sae-ron's death. Kim Soo-hyun's side denied the allegations regarding the relationship during her minor years and the cause of death, initiating legal action.
Subsequently, authorities determined that Kim Se-woo had defamed Kim Soo-hyun by spreading false information. He was also charged with distributing manipulated audio files of Kim Sae-ron using artificial intelligence (AI), publicly disclosing Kim Soo-hyun's private photos without consent, and threatening with additional revelations.
Kim Se-woo underwent a pre-arrest interrogation on May 26 and was indicted in June. He has denied the charges since the investigation began and requested bail last month, citing mental health issues.
In September, Kim Soo-hyun's side filed for the deletion and prohibition of 45 Garoseyoro YouTube videos, seeking to prevent the distribution of related content, and is awaiting the court's decision.
The court is scheduled to continue the trial on the 13th.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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