Kim Se-ui, the representative of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute who is currently in custody, is set to stand trial in connection with a case involving mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jung-won).
The Seoul Central District Court, Criminal Division 20, is scheduled to hold the first hearing for Kim on June 25 at 4:30 p.m. He has been indicted on charges including defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, violation of the Stalking Punishment Act, and extortion.
Kim was indicted without detention in March on charges of spreading false information, stalking, and extorting YouTuber Tzuyang.
Although Kim's side requested to reschedule the hearing twice, the court did not accept the requests, and the first trial will proceed as planned. It is reported that Kim's legal counsel has also been replaced ahead of the trial.
According to the prosecution, Kim is accused of repeatedly disclosing details regarding Tzuyang's private life and spreading false information through his YouTube broadcasts. Prosecutors determined that in July 2024, Kim produced and distributed provocative content for the purpose of generating profit, such as soliciting donations, and caused irreparable harm to Tzuyang by coercing her into airing a clarification broadcast.
While the police initially decided not to refer the case to the prosecution, the prosecution accepted an objection from Tzuyang's side and requested a supplementary investigation. Upon reinvestigation, the police concluded that the charges were substantiated and referred the case to the prosecution.
Meanwhile, Kim is currently under investigation while in custody for separate charges, including the spread of false information regarding actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-ron. Following a police investigation, Kim 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.), attempted coercion, and extortion. The police referred Kim to the prosecution under detention, citing concerns over the destruction of evidence.
(Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon, SBS Entertainment News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.