# Actor Kim Soo-hyun Testifies in Defamation Trial Against Kim Se-ui The actor provided closed-door testimony regarding defamation and sexual harassment allegations against the media figure. - **Source:** [Maeil Business](https://www.mk.co.kr) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/32119037-9bb8-4b21-8467-5e1fcf3df51b ## Closed-door judicial testimony Actor Kim Soo-hyun appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on September 11 to provide testimony. The session lasted approximately four and a half hours behind closed doors. Kim is a witness in the trial of Kim Se-ui, the representative of Garo Sero Institute, who faces charges of defamation and sexual harassment. ## Defendant denies all charges Kim Se-ui appeared in court wearing a dark green prison uniform and denied all allegations listed in the indictment. He requested bail, arguing that his right to defense is currently restricted. The defendant specifically challenged the prosecution's claims, noting that certain charges regarding AI-manipulated audio were absent from the final formal indictment. ## Request for direct questioning During the proceedings, the defendant requested the opportunity to directly question Kim Soo-hyun. The court rejected this motion, citing the potential psychological distress it would cause the victim. The judge determined that the actor, as a victim of stalking and sexual harassment, should be protected from direct confrontation with the accused party. ## Nature of the allegations The prosecution alleges that Kim Se-ui spread false information regarding Kim Soo-hyun's private life. These claims included unsubstantiated allegations about relationships with minors and assertions that the actor's financial pressures contributed to a death. The defendant also allegedly published photos revealing parts of the actor's body to exert further public pressure. ## Evidence and digital manipulation Prosecutors argue that the defendant utilized sophisticated methods to disseminate misinformation. This allegedly included the use of edited KakaoTalk conversation logs and audio files manipulated by artificial intelligence. These digital materials were reportedly used to bolster the credibility of the claims made against the actor on the Garo Sero Institute YouTube channel. ## Detention and legal status Kim Se-ui was arrested and indicted in June following a court decision in May. The presiding judge issued the warrant based on concerns regarding potential evidence destruction and the risk of flight. The defendant remains in custody while the court evaluates the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense team. ## Upcoming witness schedule The legal proceedings are set to continue with further witness examinations scheduled for September 13. The court has summoned two representatives from Kim Soo-hyun's management agency to testify. These sessions aim to clarify the impact of the alleged defamation and the nature of the information disseminated through the defendant's media platform. ## Legal and social implications This case highlights the intersection of celebrity privacy, digital defamation, and the misuse of AI technology in media. The court's handling of the testimony underscores the judicial system's focus on protecting victims from further harassment. The final verdict will set a precedent for how South Korean courts address digital-age defamation and stalking. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.mk.co.kr/news/society/12205747 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._