Kim Se-ui, the representative of the YouTube channel Hover Lab who is currently in custody, is set to stand trial in connection with the case involving mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jung-won).
The Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 20, is scheduled to hold the first trial for Kim Se-ui on the 25th at 4:30 PM. He has been indicted on charges including defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, violation of the Stalking Punishment Act, and intimidation.
Kim Se-ui was indicted without detention last March on charges of spreading false information, stalking, and threatening YouTuber Tzuyang.
Although Kim Se-ui’s side requested a change of date twice, the court did not accept the requests, and the first trial will proceed as scheduled. It is reported that Kim Se-ui has also changed his legal counsel ahead of the trial.
According to the prosecution, Kim Se-ui is accused of repeatedly disclosing details regarding Tzuyang’s private life and spreading false information through his YouTube broadcasts. The prosecution determined that in July 2024, Kim Se-ui produced and distributed sensational content for the purpose of generating profit, such as collecting donations, and caused irreparable harm by coercing Tzuyang into airing an explanation video.
While the police initially decided not to refer the case to the prosecution, the prosecution accepted an objection filed by Tzuyang’s side and requested supplementary investigations. Upon reinvestigation, the police determined that the charges were substantiated and referred the case to the prosecution.
Meanwhile, Kim Se-ui is currently being investigated while in custody for separate charges, including the spread of false information regarding actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron. As a result of the police investigation, Kim Se-ui faces charges including defamation by publication of false information under the Information and Communications Network Act, violation of the Stalking Punishment Act, violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes (distribution of illegally filmed material, etc.), and attempted coercion and intimidation. The police referred Kim Se-ui to the prosecution under detention, citing concerns over the destruction of evidence.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)