The Korea Press Ethics Commission (KPEC) has issued “caution” notices to 25 media outlets for reports linking actor Kim Soo-hyun to unverified legal claims, citing violations of journalistic ethics related to headline accuracy and respect for individual reputations.
In its 997th session, KPEC found that the media in question had improperly used the term “Kim Soo-hyun Prevention Law” in headlines and articles about a National Assembly petition to raise the age of consent under South Korea’s statutory rape laws. The petition, filed in early April, named Kim Soo-hyun in reference to unproven grooming allegations involving the late actress Kim Sae-ron.
Some articles reported the petition’s claims as if they were established facts, repeating statements such as “Kim Soo-hyun’s grooming crimes against minor Kim Sae-ron sparked public outrage” without verification or disclaimers.
KPEC stated, “Using an individual’s real name in the title of a legislative proposal and relaying unconfirmed allegations as fact risks branding that person as a criminal in the public eye.”
In its previous 996th session, the commission had also taken action against 14 online articles that relayed provocative content from YouTube videos following Kim Sae-ron’s death. Headlines like “Kim Soo-hyun’s nude photo found at girlfriend’s house” and “Kim Sae-ron naked doing dishes” were deemed to have violated guidelines on sensationalism, personal dignity, and privacy protection.
“These reports uncritically repeated one-sided claims from YouTube without verification, paired with sensational titles aimed at provoking sexual imagination. Such reporting lacks the responsibility expected of the press,” KPEC emphasized.
The commission warned that these stories could inflict serious emotional harm not only on the individuals involved but also their families, acquaintances, and fan communities.
As a self-regulatory body under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, KPEC can issue warnings, requests for corrections or apologies, and even recommend disciplinary actions. However, its decisions are non-binding, and compliance by the media remains voluntary.