Recently, YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute revealed that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were allegedly in a relationship for 6 years. Subsequently, an individual claiming to be the late actress Kim Sae-ron’s aunt appeared on the channel, affirming their relationship and disclosing further shocking details. So, who is Garo Sero, and why does their information draw attention?
Table of contents
Who is Garo Sero Institute
With over 900,000 subscribers and 1,300 videos, Garo Sero Institute or Garo Sero Research Institute (@HOVERLAB2018), is a famous YouTube channel that covers various content, ranging from news and social commentary to entertainment. According to Namuwiki, despite having no ad revenue due to its controversial topics, Garo Sero Institute was the top (non-celebrity) Korean channel and is listed along the TOP 10 in regard to viewer support and YouTube Super Chat revenue.
Garo Sero Institute is famous for 2 core reasons: using an excessive level of profanity, and numerous scoops and exclusive reports that are not covered by major media outlets. Additionally, it is said that the accuracy of the reports is high, with real names, faces, and related videos or recordings being freely released without using pseudonyms or mosaics.
Unlike traditional media outlets, Garo Sero Institute not only provides information but also analyzes and expresses personal opinions from its team members. This approach has attracted a significant audience.
Garo Sero’s Key Members
Current
- Kim Se-ui: Representative of Garosero Research Institute. Former MBC reporter, MBC labor union’s 1st co-chairman. Currently the only remaining main panelist.
- Jeong Eun-i – Current writer at Garosero Research Institute
- Kwak Seong-moon – Former Grand National Party member of the National Assembly (17th term), former MBC reporter
Former
- Kang Yong-seok: Former Grand National Party member of the National Assembly, current representative attorney at law firm Nextro
- Kim Yong-ho: Entertainment Editor – Former Newsis, Sports World Entertainment Reporter, Former CEO of Your Company
- Witness K: Real name Kwon Yu, former office worker in Hong Kong and YouTuber
- Vladimir Pak: Real name Heo Mu-ho, former head of the MBC News Department’s Editing Center 1 (currently a reporter for Voice of America)
- Lee Byeong-yeol – Former TOEIC Speaking instructor at Pagoda Language Institute, often known as Gorilla Thoughts
- Heo Wang – Current representative attorney at a law firm.
- Byun Hee-jae – Worked on impeachment news
- Kim Hanna – Wife of Sergeant Han Sang-guk, a soldier killed in the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, proportional representation candidate for the 21st general election for the Pro-Park New Party, operator of Hanna What Hanna TV.
- Kim Jung-eun – Professor at Bae Hwa Women’s University, appeared
- Lee Jae-hong – YouTuber 지식의 칼, former senior researcher at Garo Sero
Garo Sero’s Notable Scoops
Some of the high-profile cases the channel has reported on include the divorce of Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo, as well as allegations against celebrities such as Kim Gun-mo, Seo Ye-ji, and Han Ye-seul. Moreover, Garo Sero Institute also covers non-entertainment affairs like the case of Korea’s former president Park Geun-hye, protests in Hong Kong, Korean cults and exposé of Korean politicians such as former Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs/Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, as well as famous corporate figures like SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, and JoongAng Group Chairman Hong Seok-hyun.
The latest viral expose of this channel is the grooming allegations of actor Kim Soo-hyun, who was accused of dating late actress Kim Sae-ron for 6 years since she was 15.
Garo Sero’s Controversies
Public Backlash
Despite its influence, the channel has encountered significant backlash from the public and the entertainment industry. It has been sued for defamation and online harassment multiple times. A particularly controversial incident involved the channel secretly recording footage at the funeral of actress Song Yoo-jung and later spreading conspiracy theories about her death, which led to legal action against its owners.
It also released videos that consist of damaging information, such as accusing actress Han Ye-seul of using drugs and Choi Ji-woo husband of being a former sugar baby. Reports suggest that both Han Ye-seul and Song Yoo-jung’s agency have filed lawsuits against Garo Sero Institute. Other public figures like politicians have also taken legal actions against the channel.
Police Arrest
In 2021, key figures behind the channel—including Kang Yong-seok, Kim Se-eui, and Kim Yong-ho—were temporarily detained by the police for investigation. At the time, Kang Yong-seok and Kim Se-eui locked the door of their office and refused to cooperate, but eventually was arrested, while Kim Yong-ho was captured at his personal residence. According to reports at the time, the trio had ignored the court’s summon and the police’s request over 10 times.
Although they were later released, the incident sparked widespread controversy and negatively impacted the channel’s reputation.
Kim Yong-ho’s Departure
In 2021, Kim Yong-ho uploaded a video announcing his withdrawal from Garo Sero Institute, stating that he had “turned into a monster while trying to expose other monsters.” However, he later deleted the video. After that, Kim Se-ui admitted that he and Kim Yong-ho had a falling out, and Kim Yong-ho also admitted it. He committed suicide on October 12, 2023.
