Public outcry grows as Kim Soo-Hyun AI scandal and Lee Sun-Kyun’s death fuel demand for anti-cyberbullying law

Public outcry grows as Kim Soo-Hyun AI scandal and Lee Sun-Kyun’s death fuel demand for anti-cyberbullying law

South Korea is witnessing a growing public outcry as cyberbullying, AI manipulation, and defamation scandals continue to plague the entertainment industry. The recent case involving actor Kim Soo-Hyun - who was targeted with AI-generated content falsely accusing him of dating actress Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor—has pushed public frustration to a boiling point.

The controversial YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, known for its history of spreading hate campaigns and fabricating scandals, is once again at the center of attention.

Their latest claims against Kim Soo-Hyun triggered massive backlash, as fans and citizens alike condemned the abuse of artificial intelligence to generate defamatory content.

In response, Kim Soo-Hyun has filed a legal complaint against both Garosero and the family of Kim Sae Ron, citing defamation, stalking, and harassment.

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This incident, compounded by the tragic suicide of actor Lee Sun-Kyun in 2023—who was subjected to intense blackmail and slander—has reignited calls for legal reform.

Lee, best known internationally for his role in Parasite, was later found to have been the target of a malicious and unfounded campaign. Several individuals involved in his harassment were eventually arrested, but the damage had already been done.

The growing public demand for accountability has culminated in a petition urging the enactment of the "Gaseyeon Prevention Act." The proposed legislation aims to combat digital defamation, AI-generated misinformation, cyberbullying, and malicious online rumors. Importantly, the act seeks to protect not just celebrities, but everyday citizens from similar harm.

The petition, already signed by over 15,800 people, needs to reach 50,000 signatures within 30 days to be formally reviewed by the National Assembly. It emphasizes the role of platforms like Garosero in causing psychological trauma and, in extreme cases, contributing to suicide.

Support for the act is also growing among public figures who have faced similar experiences, including singer Kim Gun-mo, broadcaster Park Soo-hong, actress Han Ye-seul, and YouTuber Tzuyang. Reporter Kang Kyung-Yoon, another frequent target of Garosero, has spoken out about the mental toll of such attacks.

As South Korea reckons with the dangers of unchecked online abuse, the public's rallying cry for justice and reform grows louder—urging lawmakers to act before more lives are lost.