Kim Soo-Hyun files additional lawsuit against YouTube channel for reposting private photo and blackmail allegations

The dispute centers around a leaked photo of Kim Soo-Hyun washing dishes in actress Kim Sae-Ron's kitchen, with his lower body partially exposed.

South Korean actor Kim Soo-Hyun has intensified his legal battle against the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Research Institute (GaSeYeon) after it continued to spread damaging allegations against him. His agency, Gold Medalist, has filed an additional criminal complaint, accusing GaSeYeon of blackmail, false accusations, and the illegal distribution of intimate images.

The dispute centers around a leaked photo of Kim Soo-Hyun washing dishes in actress Kim Sae-Ron's kitchen, with his lower body partially exposed. The image, which first surfaced on March 20, was later reposted by GaSeYeon on March 21 during a live broadcast. The channel has also made shocking claims linking the actor to serious crimes and threatened to release a video if Disney+ did not cancel his upcoming drama, Knock Off.

Gold Medalist released an official statement addressing the escalating situation. The agency confirmed that it had taken swift legal action after GaSeYeon ignored the initial lawsuit and continued its attacks.

"During the live broadcasts on March 21 and 22, they also mentioned Disney+’s original drama Knock Off, in which actor Kim Soo Hyun appears, and threatened that if Disney+ does not cancel the release of Knock Off, they would release a video featuring Kim Soo Hyun," the statement read.

The agency also condemned the false accusations made by the YouTube channel, particularly references to the Nth Room case, a notorious South Korean cybercrime scandal. “Garo Sero Research Institute made insinuations that sounded as if actor Kim Soo Hyun had committed a crime similar to the Nth Room case and claimed there is a video recording of it. Like all of their previous claims, this is completely false, and of course, no such video exists. Their actions are serious criminal offenses that cannot be overlooked, and we have swiftly taken additional legal action against them,” Gold Medalist asserted.

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Kim Soo-Hyun has been embroiled in controversy since GaSeYeon released an explosive video featuring an alleged conversation with Kim Sae-Ron’s aunt. The video claimed that the late actress had been in a six-year relationship with Kim Soo-Hyun, starting when she was just 15. These allegations, however, remain unverified, and the actor's agency has categorically denied them.

The scandal has already had repercussions on Kim Soo-Hyun’s career. Disney+ recently announced the postponement of Knock Off, citing “careful consideration” amid the ongoing legal battle.