Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun has launched a massive 11 billion won (approximately $8.1 million) lawsuit against the controversial YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (Garo Sero). The dispute centers around accusations made by Garosero that Kim had a romantic relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was still a minor — claims that Kim’s camp strongly denies.
Garosero’s so-called “evidence,” including photos and personal messages, has been met with skepticism by Kim’s legal team. They argue the materials were either manipulated or taken out of context. In response, Kim’s agency, Gold Medalist, publicly refuted each piece of Garosero’s “proof” and accused them of cyberbullying and character assassination, even filing additional charges under South Korea’s anti-stalking law.
Kim Soo-hyun’s side maintains that the relationship between him and Kim Sae-ron was never romantic, and that the photos Garosero presented were misleading. Despite this, Garosero continued to release daily videos targeting Kim, sparking a national firestorm of media coverage and online debate.
Korean Reactions: Deeply Divided
Korean netizens are sharply split, with a surprising number expressing skepticism toward Kim Soo-hyun’s defense and showing unexpected support for Garosero, despite its notoriety.
Top Korean Comments (Source : Nate)
“I hate Garosero, but I believe them on this one.” (👍 744 / 👎 235)
“You think Garosero would share evidence without having more? If this ends up in court, things could flip fast.” (👍 664 / 👎 178)
“Garosero fighting~!” (👍 602 / 👎 201)
“So much evidence, yet they still deny the underage relationship. Might as well own up to being trash.” (👍 75 / 👎 15)
“The late girl is a ghost now, and he’s still a star…” (👍 71 / 👎 11)
“This is not a good look for Kim Soo-hyun.” (👍 62 / 👎 12)
“She visited his home during military leave? Sounds like more than just friends.” (👍 60 / 👎 9)
“Who makes chicken stew for ‘just a friend’ in the middle of the night at a soldier’s family home?” (👍 51 / 👎 8)
Global Reactions: Focused on Fairness and Fabrication
International responses lean heavily toward Kim Soo-hyun’s defense, with users criticizing Garosero for manipulating public perception and lacking credible evidence.
Top Global Comments (Source : allkpop)
“Just because she cooked for him doesn’t mean they were dating. She said she loved cooking for friends and family.” (👍 26 / 👎 25)
“Garosero is deliberately twisting photos out of context. Misleading the public with selective images is disgusting.” (👍 21 / 👎 7)
“He deserves a fair trial. People are too quick to judge without facts.” (👍 18 / 👎 3)
“There’s no evidence the relationship was romantic or illegal — that’s why this needs to go to court.” (👍 16)
“At least Kim is facing it head-on. If he clears his name, he should leave Korea. This culture rarely forgives.” (👍 15 / 👎 1)
“So all the evidence was fabricated?” (👍 15 / 👎 4)
“Don’t destroy lives based on rumors. Let justice decide who’s guilty.” (👍 13)
“Why is no one investigating her husband, whom she married then annulled in 4 months?” (👍 11)
Cultural Reflection: Trust vs. Trials
The split in opinion highlights the stark difference in cultural attitudes toward evidence and public figures.
In Korea, where celebrity scandals are often judged in the court of public opinion, many seem ready to believe Garosero’s narrative — even at the cost of trusting a notorious platform. This may reflect deeper frustrations with elite privilege, especially in the entertainment world.
Globally, however, there’s a stronger emphasis on due process and the idea that even public figures deserve a fair hearing. While users abroad don’t deny the tragedy of Kim Sae-ron’s passing, they challenge the practice of posthumous blame without concrete proof.
The legal case will continue — but the court of public opinion has already rendered its very divided verdict.