On April 15, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency Gold Medalist released an official statement saying, “Malicious posts and comments targeting Kim Soo-hyun ranging from false information to personal attacks are being recklessly spread online. We have filed a complaint with investigative authorities for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act and for insult under the Criminal Act.”
The agency emphasized that such malicious slander, defamation, personal attacks, and sexual harassment on online communities and social media are serious crimes that should not be overlooked. They also revealed plans to take strong legal action against so-called “cyber leccas” a Korean slang term referring to YouTubers or bloggers who capitalize on celebrity scandals by working with international legal representatives if necessary.
In response, public opinion has been sharply divided. Some netizens criticized the move, saying, “He’s just lashing out because he feels guilty,” “You lied to the whole country and now you’re blaming hate comments?” “No remorse at all,” and “Instead of filing lawsuits, why not just be honest and gain public understanding?”
On the other hand, many others voiced support: “People who write hate comments without knowing the full story are the problem,” “I support this. Reckless YouTubers who throw half-baked rumors at the public for views must be punished,” “Haters should be held accountable,” and “We’re witnessing real-time defamation and false information from cyber leccas there should be no leniency.”
Currently, Kim Soo-hyun is on hiatus due to ongoing controversy surrounding his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. At a press conference on March 31, he stated, “It’s true we were in a relationship, but we did not date when she was underage, and I never pressured her financially.” He is now taking legal action against Kim Sae-ron’s family and the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute for spreading unverified allegations.
