The side of actor Kim Soo-hyun said it could seek astronomical damages against Garosero Research Institute head Kim Se-eui, who was arrested on charges including spreading false information related to the late Kim Sae-ron. It also mentioned the possibility of recalculating the previously filed damages amount of 12 billion won.
Kim Soo-hyun's legal representative, attorney Go Sang-rok, appeared on YTN Radio's "Wise Radio Life" on the 1st and said, "Criminal punishment for egregious cyber issues is important, but it is also very important to receive a strict legal judgment through a civil damages claim."
Attorney Go explained that strong civil action is needed to prevent Kim, the head, from repeating the same conduct in the future. Go said, "When Kim Se-eui returns to society, the economic base itself must be dismantled so that the same conduct cannot be repeated," and added, "From the standpoint of demonstrating the effect of making an example, there needs to be a precedent that imposes strong civil liability."
Attorney Go also said that if liability for a large amount of damages is recognized, it may be difficult to cover it with Kim's asset alone. Go explained that if the compensation is not fully repaid, Kim may have to live under astronomical debt, and that damages liabilities arising from illegal acts are difficult to be discharged or reduced even if individual rehabilitation or bankruptcy procedures are pursued.
However, regarding a plan to raise the damages claim from the existing 12 billion won to around 30 billion won, Go said nothing has been finalized yet. While noting that there is a need to recalculate the damages ahead of full-fledged civil litigation, attorney Go said that the actor's return to daily life takes precedence over the amount.
Attorney Go said, "In a situation where the actor's honor and character were on the verge of being virtually annihilated, they are in the process of restoring their honor," adding, "As the truth is coming to light, it is important for our society to warmly welcome and support the actor so they can return to their original place."
Kim, the head, is suspected of raising allegations related to Kim Soo-hyun through broadcasts on the YouTube channel "Garosero Research Institute" that he operates and through press conferences. Kim has argued that Kim Soo-hyun dated the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor and that the cause of the deceased's death was pressure from Kim Soo-hyun's side to repay debt.
Kim Soo-hyun's side has countered that the claims and the disclosed materials differ from the facts. Police were reported to have determined that Kim repeatedly spread false information with the intent to slander Kim Soo-hyun. They also reportedly confirmed that parts of the KakaoTalk chat screenshots were edited and that there were indications the deceased's voice was manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI).
The Seoul Central District Court on the 26th of last month issued an arrest warrant for Kim on charges including violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (photographing and distributing using cameras, etc.), defamation, intimidation, and attempted coercion. The court saw a risk of evidence destruction.
Kim's side filed for a detention legality review with the Seoul Central District Court on the 31st of last month. A detention legality review is a procedure in which the court reassesses whether the suspect's detention investigation is lawful and whether there is a need to continue detention. The detention legality review for Kim will be held at 2:10 p.m. on the 2nd.