Director Lee Jeongseop referred to prosecutors for defaming actor Kim Soohyun

According to sources in the entertainment industry on the 6th, Seoul’s Gangnam Police Station recently sent Lee Jeongseop’s case to the prosecution.

• Director Lee Jeongseop referred to prosecutors for defaming Kim Soohyun
• Lee accused of posting damaging claims about Kim Soohyun on social media
• Prosecutors will decide on indictment after further investigation

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Director Lee Jeongseop, who was initially responsible for directing the early portions of the film Real before stepping down mid-production, has reportedly been referred to prosecutors on charges of defaming actor Kim Soohyun.

According to sources in the entertainment industry on the 6th, Seoul’s Gangnam Police Station recently sent Lee Jeongseop’s case to the prosecution. He is identified as a suspect under the Information and Communications Network Act for allegations of defamation. The case reportedly began when a federation representing Kim Soohyun’s fans raised concerns and pursued legal action.

The complainants claimed that Director Lee seriously damaged Kim Soohyun’s reputation by repeatedly posting on social media and other platforms, making statements that portrayed the actor as a “child sex offender,” or by sharing posts with similar accusations.

After looking at the posts and how they were spread, police concluded that there was enough reason to take the allegations seriously. This led them to refer the case to prosecutors for further review.

However, officials clarified that a referral does not equate to a final determination of criminal responsibility. The decision on whether to formally indict Director Lee will be made following a more detailed investigation by the prosecution.

Since last year, Lee Jeongseop has consistently voiced his stance on SNS regarding the long-standing production controversy surrounding Real and the suspicions involving Kim Soohyun. He has repeatedly posted sharp criticism related to various controversies linked to the actor and has also shared posts containing contentious claims, placing himself at the center of ongoing public debate.

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Released in 2017, Real follows the story of two men set against the backdrop of Asia’s largest casino. While the film attracted attention due to Kim Soohyun’s leading role, it also became embroiled in significant controversy during its production phase.

Lee Jeongseop had completed the majority of filming for Real, but during post-production, he was replaced by Lee Robe (formerly known as Lee Sarang), the head of the production company and a family member of Kim Soohyun. At the time, reports suggested that creative disagreements over editing direction with the production company led to his exit from the project.