The Kim Soo Hyun Fan Union, which includes Daum Cafe Eucharis and DC Inside’s Kim Soo Hyun Gallery, announced on April 22 that it has filed a lawsuit against those spreading false and malicious accusations about the actor online.
“There has been an ongoing spread of malicious rumors and defamation targeting Kim Soo Hyun by individuals unrelated to him through online communities and social media. We are currently pursuing a criminal complaint,” the fan union stated.
As early as this week, the fan union’s lawyer, Yang Tae Young of Law Firm Siwoo, stated that the complaint would be submitted to the Seoul Seongbuk Police Station.
In accordance with Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act, the union is suing the offenders for defamation.
Unlike insult charges, which require a direct complaint from the victim, defamation charges can be brought by third parties.
Noting that international fan communities are also taking part in the initiative, the fan union emphasized that this movement is not just for domestic supporters.
“This is a voluntary movement to protect the actor’s rights and preserve a healthy fan culture,” the fan union said. “We will not tolerate personal attacks or defamatory comments disguised as freedom of expression. No leniency will be shown.”
They went on to say that they have gathered a lot of evidence, such as fabricated posts, edited photos, and hateful comments that have been making the rounds online for a few months.
Gold Medalist, Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, also filed a lawsuit on April 15, stating, “Groundless speculation and unverified claims are being repeatedly posted online, damaging the artist’s reputation.” The agency attested to having reported insult charges and defamation to the relevant authorities.
Kim’s side also filed a 12 billion KRW (Php 477.1 million) damages lawsuit against the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (HoverLab) and the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron last month.
The lawsuits are the result of allegations made by the Garosero Research Institute and Kim Sae Ron’s family that Kim Soo Hyun had dated Kim Sae Ron from 2015 to 2021, beginning when she was a minor.
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