High-Stakes Legal Showdown: Kim Se Ui Faces Major Repercussions
The South Korean entertainment landscape has been rocked by a complex web of legal battles, with prominent K-drama actor Kim Soo Hyun and beloved mukbang content creator Tzuyang caught in the crosshairs of controversial YouTuber Kim Se Ui and his channel, Garo Sero Institute. What began as allegations against Kim Soo Hyun, linked to actor Kim Sae Ron, has spiraled into a much broader confrontation, culminating in a significant legal setback for Kim Se Ui in his dispute with Tzuyang.
In a pivotal moment for digital creators asserting their rights, the Seoul High Court recently delivered a resounding victory to Tzuyang, whose real name is Park Jeong Won. The court mandated that Garo Sero Institute and its host, Kim Se Ui, must pay a substantial fine of ₩10 million (approximately $7,200 USD) for every video they upload concerning Tzuyang. This landmark ruling, reported by Korean outlet My Daily, underscores the judiciary’s stance against persistent privacy violations, especially after previous warnings were disregarded.
Unveiling the “Indirect Enforcement Order” Against Garo Sero Institute
The court’s decision isn’t merely about monetary penalties; it’s a powerful “indirect enforcement order.” This means the court is taking a proactive measure to prevent future infringements, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to repeated invasions of privacy. The judges explicitly noted that Kim Se Ui’s channel continued to “amplify or reproduce related suspicions or rumors” even after an initial verdict, highlighting the necessity of such a stringent measure to curb further violations.
Tzuyang’s arduous legal journey began in February 2025 when she first filed a lawsuit accusing Kim Se Ui of grave charges including blackmail, coercion, and privacy breaches. Despite Kim Se Ui’s repeated failure to respond to police summons, the case persisted, leading to a crucial reappeal in May that ultimately paved the way for this decisive court order.
Tzuyang’s Brave Stand Against Personal Attacks
The genesis of Tzuyang’s lawsuit traces back to July, when Garo Sero aired a broadcast delving into her private past without consent. This video controversially featured an audio clip of other YouTubers, Gujeok and Jujak Gambyeolsa, allegedly discussing strategies to blackmail Tzuyang using highly sensitive personal information. The deeply invasive nature of the content compelled Tzuyang to bravely go live herself, where she tearfully disclosed her harrowing experiences of abuse and exploitation by a former boyfriend.
Despite her courageous public revelation, Garo Sero allegedly continued to produce defamatory content targeting Tzuyang’s personal life. This relentless pursuit of private details ultimately led Tzuyang to file a comprehensive lawsuit, seeking not only the deletion of infringing videos but also charges related to coercion, intimidation, and violations of stalking laws. While an initial court ruling acknowledged the privacy violations and ordered video deletions, it refrained from imposing a fine, a decision Tzuyang later challenged through her reappeal.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Escalating Legal War Against Falsehoods
Parallel to Tzuyang’s struggle, K-drama superstar Kim Soo Hyun has been embroiled in his own intense legal confrontation with Kim Se Ui. His agency, Gold Medalist, successfully secured a court order to seize two of Kim Se Ui’s upscale apartments, a clear indication of the significant financial repercussions Kim Se Ui is already facing. Kim Soo Hyun’s accusations mirror those of Tzuyang, centered on defamation and the dissemination of false information.
On June 24, the “Queen of Tears” star intensified his legal offensive by filing an additional lawsuit, specifically targeting Kim Se Ui for false accusations and the distribution of fabricated evidence. Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representatives, LKB & Partners, released a firm statement asserting, “Kim Se Ui and the late Kim Sae Ron’s family went beyond merely spreading false information based on a forged audio file; they even filed a criminal complaint against actor Kim Soo Hyun, accusing him of false charges and violations of the Child Welfare Act. This is a clear and serious case of false accusation.”
Upholding Justice: The Fight for Accountability
The fallout from these controversies has been substantial, particularly for Kim Soo Hyun, whose brand value reportedly plummeted. Numerous advertisers have initiated lawsuits seeking damages, citing the impact of Kim Se Ui’s unsubstantiated claims and “evidence.” In a decisive move to counter these allegations, Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team has engaged the National Forensic Department, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to verifying evidence and ensuring justice.
LKB & Partners reiterated their resolve: “Gold Medalist and actor Kim Soo Hyun have taken swift legal action by filing this additional lawsuit and criminal complaint against Kim Se Ui and the family of the late Kim Sae Ron. We will do everything we can to ensure that they are held fully accountable under the law and according to due process.” Meanwhile, the police investigation into Kim Se Ui continues, with the case being sent back to Gangnam Police for further review after prosecutors challenged an initial “lack of evidence” ruling. Kim Se Ui’s repeated evasion of summons, citing his busy schedule during South Korea’s presidential election, suggests potential legal ramifications should he continue to refuse cooperation.
