Kim Se-se, denies 'defamation of Kim Soo-hyun' charges..Clash over citizen participation trial [Star Scene] [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Kim Se-se, CEO of Garo-Sero Research Institute (Gase-yeon), who was brought to trial on charges of spreading false information about actor Kim Soo-hyun, denied all allegations during the first court session. She also maintained her position requesting a citizen participation trial.

On the afternoon of the 11th, the Criminal Collegiate Panel No. 26 of Seoul Central District Court (Judge Lee Hyeon-gyeong (Director)) held the first pre-trial hearing for Kim Se-se, who was arrested and prosecuted on charges including violation of the Information and Communication Network Act (defamation). Since there is no legal obligation for defendants to appear at pre-trial hearings, Kim Se-se did not attend.

Originally, this case was assigned to a single-judge criminal panel (Criminal Division 14), but it was reassigned to Criminal Collegiate Panel No. 26, where three judges will hear the case, following a decision for a collegial trial. A collegial trial is a procedure that converts a case originally handled by a single judge into one heard jointly by three judges, considering the nature of the case.

On this day, Kim Se-se's lawyer stated, "There is no change in our desire for a citizen participation trial," reaffirming their position to request such a trial.

In contrast, Kim Soo-hyun's lawyer requested the court to consider: "Regarding the defendant (Kim Se-se)'s reason for desiring a citizen participation trial, she has stated on broadcast that 'we must fight against powerful left-wing forces, so a citizen participation trial is necessary.' Even while detained, she continues this claim. We hope the court will examine whether this aligns with the purpose of a citizen participation trial."

The lawyer further added, "Originally, the substantive truth of this case was not uncovered, and the public failed to listen to the victim (Kim Soo-hyun)'s rebuttal due to a social atmosphere where it is impossible to criticize the deceased or their family. We are concerned that the defendant's side may be attempting to drag the distorted atmosphere from the early stages of the case back into the trial, or even trying to politicize it."

Both sides also clashed over the facts alleged in the indictment. Kim Se-se's side argued, "Regarding the defamation charges, the stated facts are not false. The deceased (the late Kim Sae-ron) had a relationship with the victim since her minor years. There exist notes written by the victim before joining the military, KakaoTalk messages, and photos and videos taken at the victim's residence. The National Forensic Service only replied that it was difficult to make a judgment on Deep Voice-related matters based solely on the provided materials."

Additionally, Kim Se-se's side claimed that they confirmed with the deceased's family whether the materials presented in Kim Se-se's YouTube broadcast were factual, and stated, "The deceased's mother confirmed that the voice in the recording file is definitely the deceased's."

Regarding the release of photos showing part of Kim Soo-hyun's body exposed during a YouTube broadcast, Kim Se-se's side countered, "These are not materials likely to cause sexual humiliation. They are daily-life photos taken by the deceased at her residence and do not depict specific body parts."

The court plans to hold one more pre-trial hearing before deciding whether to proceed with a citizen participation trial. The date for the next session has not yet been set.

Previously, the Women and Juvenile Crime Investigation Division 2 of Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office arrested and prosecuted Kim Se-ui (CEO) on charges including violation of the Information and Communication Network Act (defamation), violation of the Special Act on Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (distribution of images captured using cameras, etc.), and violation of the Stalking Punishment Act.

Kim Se-se faces charges of spreading false information that the late actor Kim Sae-ron had a romantic relationship with Kim Soo-hyun for approximately six years since her minor years, as well as claims that pressure from Kim Soo-hyun's side regarding debt repayment caused the deceased's death, through YouTube live broadcasts and press conferences from March to May last year.

She is also accused of using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate the deceased's voice and fabricating false information suggesting she had a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since middle school, thereby damaging Kim Soo-hyun's reputation.

The police and Prosecution Service that investigated the case stated in the indictment that Kim Se-se broadcasted false information 25 times in total for the purpose of defaming Kim Soo-hyun. The charges also include releasing photos exposing Kim Soo-hyun's body, mentioning the possibility of releasing additional photos, and coercing Kim Soo-hyun's side to admit a relationship with the deceased and issue a public apology.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original