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

*This content was translated by AI.

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 Seoul Central District Court Criminal Consolidated Division 26 (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 Communications 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 division 14 for trial, but it was reassigned to Criminal Consolidated Division 26, where three judges will jointly preside, following a decision on judicial consolidation. Judicial consolidation is the procedure that converts a case originally handled by a single judge into one handled by a panel of 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 apply for 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 leftist forces, so a citizen participation trial is necessary.' Even while detained, she continues making such claims. 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 rebuttals due to a social atmosphere where criticizing the deceased or their family is taboo. 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 responded that it was difficult to make judgments on Deep Voice-related matters based solely on the provided materials."

Additionally, Kim Se-se's side claimed that they had verified 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 her daughter'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 Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office Women and Juvenile Crime Investigation Division 2 arrested and prosecuted 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 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, from March to May last year, through YouTube live broadcasts, press conferences, and other means. She is also accused of falsely claiming that financial pressure from Kim Soo-hyun's side caused the deceased's death.

She is further charged with using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate the deceased's voice and fabricating false information that she had 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-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.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.