Kim Soo Hyun-Kim Sae Ron dating scandal sparks 50K petition signatures calling for probe into Garosero

A public petition demanding stronger legal oversight of online platforms, especially targeting YouTube Garosero, has gained over 50,000 signatures in less than two weeks. It was filed on May 22 through the National Assembly's electronic petition system in South Korea. The proposal seeks urgent reforms to address repeated privacy violations, false reporting, and the spread of harmful content.
It's titled 'Petition to Improve the System to Prevent the Repeated Spread of False Information and Human Rights Violations on Online Platforms.' The proposal aims to hold content creators and platforms accountable for allowing unverified and damaging material to go unchecked. As of June 3, the petition had gathered over 54,000 supporters. It will remain open until June 21, allowing citizens to add their names in support of institutional change.
At the center of the controversy is the Garosero Research Institute, a YouTube channel run by Kim Se Ui. Most recently, the channel has been widely condemned for releasing private and sensitive materials involving the late actress Kim Sae Ron and actor Kim Soo Hyun.
Accusations against Garosero and Kim Se Ui
According to the petition, Garosero has repeatedly released content containing serious allegations. Many of which were said to be either unverified or damaging to the reputations of those involved. The petitioner emphasized that these actions have crossed ethical lines and caused irreversible harm not only to public figures but also to their families.
'Indiscriminate spreading of false information and exposure of personal privacy have reached a level that can no longer be tolerated in our society,' the petitioner stated. The petition further called for legal punishment and platform-based sanctions. It also demanded an independent investigation into Garosero's content and operations.
Specific concern was raised about Garosero's recent uploads involving sensitive materials about Kim Sae Ron, who passed away in February. The channel has been working with her family. They have been releasing alleged private messages, photos, and videos that reportedly prove she was romantically involved with Kim Soo Hyun for six years. The relationship is said to have begun when she was still a minor.
Fallout for Kim Soo Hyun
As a direct consequence of the dissemination of these claims, Kim Soo Hyun have suffered serious career disruptions. His upcoming drama Knock-Off has been indefinitely postponed. Moreover, several brand endorsements have quietly ended or been suspended. The scandal has had a chilling effect on his public image.
In response, Kim Soo Hyun has taken legal action against both Kim Se Ui and the bereaved family of Kim Sae Ron. He accused them of defamation, invasion of privacy, and the malicious use of personal material.
Petition demands broader legal and institutional reforms
Beyond individual accountability, the petition argues for systemic reform. It calls on lawmakers to revise current media regulations. It also urges the enforcement of stricter guidelines on YouTube and other digital platforms that allow such content to thrive without consequence. The petitioner highlighted the damaging impact of 'cyber wrecking.'
Examples cited in the petition include distorted reporting, manipulated narratives, and intentional misinformation. All of which the petitioner claimed were tactics used by Garosero to fuel engagement and views at the expense of truth and ethics.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

First Post

2 hours ago

• First Post

From Suga to Jung Kook, all 7 BTS members are now done with mandatory service

BTS' management agency, Big Hit Entertainment, had said earlier that no events were planned for Suga's release out of concern for overcrowding. read more Suga, a rapper and songwriter in the global K-pop sensation BTS, has been discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service, marking the official return of all seven members from their enlistment duties. The label confirmed that Suga completed his alternative service duties on Wednesday after using up his remaining leave. His official discharge date is Saturday. BTS' management agency, Big Hit Entertainment, had said earlier that no events were planned for Suga's release out of concern for overcrowding. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is a momentous occasion for fans of the K-pop group BTS. The seven singers of the popular K-pop band plan to reunite as a group sometime in 2025 now that they've finished their service. Last week, BTS superstars RM and V were discharged from South Korea's military after fulfilling their mandatory service. Jimin and Jung Kook were discharged a day later. All four were enlisted in December 2023. Six of the group's seven members served in the army, while Suga fulfilled his duty as a social service agent, an alternative form of military service. Jin, the oldest BTS member, was discharged in June 2024. J-Hope was discharged in October. In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to perform 18-21 months of military service under a conscription system meant to deter aggression from rival North Korea. The law gives special exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige. K-pop stars and other entertainers aren't subject to such privileges. However, in 2020, BTS postponed their service until age 30 after South Korea's National Assembly revised its Military Service Act, allowing K-pop stars to delay their enlistment until age 30. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There was heated public debate in 2022 over whether to offer special exemptions of mandatory military service for BTS members, until the group's management agency announced in October 2022 that all seven members would fulfill their duties.

Time of India

3 days ago

• Time of India

Kim Soo Hyun faces $5,350,000 in damages as dating scandal with late actress Kim Sae Ron costs him major brand deals

Kim Soo Hyun, once known as South Korea's golden boy of K-dramas, is now battling to protect his reputation and his finances as a wave of high-profile advertisers take legal action against him. With hefty penalty fees in reported lawsuits piling up, the actor's fall from grace has sent shockwaves through the industry. What was once a thriving brand empire built on a 'clean-cut' image is now cracking following his dating scandal with late actress Kim Sae Ron. Kim Soo Hyun hit with KRW 7.3B lawsuits as brands cut ties over Kim Sae Ron scandal Kim Soo Hyun has been hit with a series of high-stakes compensation lawsuits from the very brands that once proudly signed him. So far, six companies have publicly come forward, demanding more than KRW 7.34 billion (around USD 5,350,000) in damages, with more expected to follow. The situation escalated dramatically when two of Kim Soo Hyun's biggest endorsement partners took action to recover their losses. Medical skincare brand Classys filed a lawsuit demanding KRW 3.00 billion (approximately USD 2,190,000) after moving to seize his Galleria Forêt apartment—the property the actor had purchased back in 2013 and 2014. Just a day later, South Korean electronics giant Cuckoo filed for a court-ordered freeze of the actor's assets worth KRW 100 million (roughly USD 73,500). Along with its subsidiaries, including its Chinese affiliate and rice cooker division, Cuckoo is demanding KRW 850 million (around USD 625,000) in damages, bringing their joint claim to KRW 2.03 billion (approximately USD 1,470,000). Other companies weren't far behind. On April 25, a cosmetics brand filed suit demanding KRW 510 million (about USD 367,000). Trendmaker, which operates the vegan beauty label DINTO, also turned to the courts, filing for the same amount after initially backing the actor but later facing backlash themselves. Health supplement company FromBIO—best known for its stem cell hair loss treatment line—filed the largest individual claim of KRW 3.96 billion (about USD 2,890,000) on May 16. The company had only recently signed Kim Soo Hyun in October 2024, riding the success of Queen of Tears, but conveniently dropped him once the scandal took centre stage. The controversy that started it all Kim Soo Hyun's troubles began earlier this year when rumours surfaced about a past relationship with late actress Kim Sae Ron. While the actor initially remained silent, speculation quickly turned toxic after YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute accused him of having an inappropriate relationship with Bloodhounds fame when she was just 15 years old. The allegation remains unproven, and Soo Hyun has since filed a KRW 12 million lawsuit against the channel, but the damage was already done. Adding fuel to the fire was a press conference held by Soo Hyun's agency, GOLD MEDALIST, which many felt came off as defensive and evasive. Instead of clearing his name, the appearance only intensified public and media backlash. In a matter of weeks, the actor—once celebrated for roles in It's Okay to Not Be Okay and Queen of Tears—became embroiled in what now looks like a career-threatening crisis. Kim Soo Hyun's Disney+ drama Knock Off postponed amid scandal Kim Soo Hyun's future in the industry now hangs in the balance, as Disney+ has reportedly postponed his upcoming drama Knock Off indefinitely. The decision comes amid growing pressure from advertisers and ongoing public backlash surrounding his controversy. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.

Indian Express

3 days ago

• Indian Express

Kim Soo Hyun's brand value drops to zero as 16 ‘frustrated' advertisers demand billions in damages

Kim Soo Hyun's empire is on the verge of collapse as not two, or three, but 16 brands that once proudly signed him as their ambassador are now lining up to sue, with each seeking damages running into millions. According to Daum, the Queen of Tears star's image has taken a massive hit, not just in South Korea but globally, ever since his controversy with the late actor Kim Sae Ron erupted. While no verdict has been reached yet, and Soo Hyun continues to fight his ₩12 million lawsuit against YouTube channel Garosero for accusing him of having an inappropriate relationship with a minor, the damage is already done. The severity of the allegations, paired with a press conference that rubbed many the wrong way, has led to 'frustration' among the advertisers. Also read: Kim Soo Hyun moves National Forensic Service after his plush apartment seized; to challenge Garosero's 'fabricated' evidence June has been brutal for the once-beloved K-drama star, whose apartment and assets worth millions were seized by two brands that publicly revealed their identities. Medical skincare brand Classys swooped in on his Galleria Forêt apartment, which he had purchased back in 2013 and 2014. Classys filed a lawsuit demanding ₩3.00 billion KRW (approx. $2.19 million USD). The very next day, South Korean electronics giant Cuckoo headed to court to freeze Soo Hyun's assets worth about ₩100 million KRW (roughly $73,500 USD). Along with its multiple subsidiaries—including a rice cooker brand and its Chinese affiliate—the company is demanding ₩850 million KRW (around $625,000 USD) in damages. A joint lawsuit combining all the holdings Soo Hyun represented totals ₩2.03 billion KRW (around $1.47 million USD). On April 25, another cosmetic brand moved to court, demanding ₩510 million KRW (roughly $367,000 USD). And now, two more brands have come forward: ₩510 million from Trendmaker and ₩3.96 billion from Frombio. So far, the total claimed damages have skyrocketed to ₩7.34 billion. Also read: Kim Soo Hyun loses millions in assets to home appliance brand after luxury apartment seizure; fails to pay damages Prada, which had signed the actor just months before the controversy derailed his career and upcoming projects, was the first international brand to pull the plug. Kim Soo Hyun's brand reputation has been completely wiped out despite him constantly trending on local trackers. His popularity still soars, both in South Korea and globally, with support trucks arriving from countries with massive K-drama fandoms. Some fans even went as far as filing independent lawsuits after hiring their own attorneys to defend the actor. Soo Hyun's legal team, LKB & Partners, earlier issued a statement saying the evidence being used by advertisers to distance themselves is completely fabricated. They've now moved the case to the national forensics department in hopes of flipping the narrative. 'What Garo Sero is claiming is false, and it's becoming increasingly clear that Kim Soo Hyun is the actual victim here,' his lawyer said.