Kim Soo-hyun's side expresses concern over "political exploitation and distorted atmosphere" regarding Kim Se-won's application for a citizen jury trial [Star Scene]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Kim Se-won's side at Garo-Sero Research Institute (hereinafter referred to as "Garo-Sero") and actor Kim Soo-hyun's side have come into conflict over whether a citizen jury trial should be held.

On the afternoon of the 11th, the Criminal Collegiate Panel No. 26 at Seoul Central District Court, presided by Judge Lee Hyeon-gyeong (Director), held its first pre-trial hearing for Kim Se-won, who was arrested and indicted on charges including violation of the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation). Since defendants are not required to appear at pre-trial hearings, Kim Se-won did not attend.

Originally, this case was assigned to a single-judge criminal division (Criminal Division 14), but it was reassigned to Criminal Collegiate Panel No. 26, which consists of three judges, following a decision for a collegiate panel trial. A collegiate panel trial is a procedure that changes a case originally handled by a single judge into one jointly tried by three judges, taking into account the nature of the case.

On this day, the court asked Kim Se-won's defense attorney, "The defendant (Kim Se-won) has expressed a desire for a citizen jury trial. Please state your position on this first."

Kim Se-won's defense attorney replied, "There is no change in our wish for a citizen jury trial."

In contrast, Kim Soo-hyun's defense attorney addressed the court: "If we look at what (Kim Se-won) has stated through broadcasts regarding the reason why the defendant's side desires a citizen jury trial, she claims that 'we must fight against powerful leftist forces, so a citizen jury trial is necessary. We will fight against entities such as the Republic of Korea Prosecution Service.' Given that she continues to make such claims even while in custody, we hope the court will carefully examine whether this aligns with the purpose of a citizen jury trial."

The attorney further emphasized, "We are concerned that the defendant's side may be attempting to drag a distorted atmosphere back into the trial once again and may be seeking political exploitation. Therefore, we urge the court to re-examine the request for a citizen jury trial."

Previously, the Women and Juvenile Crime Investigation Division No. 2 of Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office arrested and indicted Kim Se-ui (CEO) on charges including violation of the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation), violation of the Special Act on Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (distribution of materials filmed using cameras, etc.), and violation of the Stalking Crime Punishment Act.

Kim Se-won is suspected of spreading false information through YouTube live broadcasts, press conferences, and other means from March to May last year, claiming that the late actor Kim Sae-ron had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun for approximately six years since her minor years and that pressure from Kim Soo-hyun's side over debt repayment was the cause of the deceased's death.

Additionally, she is also suspected of using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate the deceased's voice and fabricating false claims that Kim Sae-ron had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since middle school, thereby damaging Kim Soo-hyun's reputation.

The police and Prosecution Service who investigated the case stated in the indictment that Kim Se-won broadcasted false information 25 times in total for the purpose of defaming Kim Soo-hyun. The indictment also includes allegations that she publicly released photos exposing Kim Soo-hyun's body and mentioned the possibility of releasing additional photos, thereby coercing Kim Soo-hyun's side to admit to a relationship with the deceased and issue a public apology. However, Kim Se-won has completely denied all charges.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original