Kim Soo Hyun Cleared Of Underage Dating Allegations; Evidence Found To Be Edited With AI

South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun has reportedly been cleared of underage dating allegations, following a police investigation into the case that dominated Korean entertainment headlines over the past year.

But there's a new twist to the case. Investigators are now alleging that some of the “evidence” circulating online may have been manipulated using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Kim Soo Hyun became engulfed in controversy last year after allegations surfaced online claiming he had dated Kim Sae Ron while she was still a minor. 

The allegations spread widely online following the actress’s death in February 2025.

These claims were amplified by the controversial YouTube channel HoverLab, aka Garo Sero Institute, and individuals reportedly linked to Sae Ron’s family.

At the time, the 38-year-old's agency, Gold Medalist, denied claims of underage dating or grooming. Soo Hyun, who held an emotional press conference, maintained that the two had only dated as consenting adults between 2019 and 2020.

Public opinion also turned vicious, especially after photos of Soo Hyun and Sae Ron kissing went viral.

Soo Hyun’s career collapsed almost overnight, with brands distancing themselves from the Queen of Tears actor.

Soo Hyun’s legal team further warned that they would pursue legal action against individuals accused of spreading fabricated evidence and defamatory claims.

According to Korean media reports, the actor had to undergo psychiatric treatment following the fallout from the scandal.

But if you thought the controversy was over, it isn’t.

According to an arrest warrant application reportedly reviewed by Korean outlet JoongAng Ilbo, investigators believe some of the alleged evidence circulated online may have been altered.

The biggest issue reportedly involves KakaoTalk screenshots released in March 2025.

Police say that Kim Se Eui, operator of HoverLab, received 11 screenshots from Kim Sae Ron’s bereaved family and altered parts of the images.

Investigators claim seven sections were edited, including changing the conversation partner’s name to “Kim Soo Hyun” even though the original account allegedly appeared only as “unidentified person.”

For context, KakaoTalk automatically labels deleted or blocked accounts as “unidentified person.”

Investigators also reportedly found that an audio clip circulated online as supposed evidence that allegedly featured Sae Ron’s voice may have been manipulated using AI technology.

Police have reportedly submitted an arrest warrant against Se Eui, on grounds that he knowingly distributed false information for financial gain through YouTube traffic and ad revenue.

According to the warrant application, investigators stated the suspect “was well aware that actor Soo Hyun had not dated the deceased while she was a minor”, but distributed false claims with the intent to defame him.

Se Eui has denied any wrongdoing.

In a recent livestream, he reportedly claimed the investigation was politically motivated and suspiciously timed.

The controversy has reportedly expanded further with lawyer Bu Ji Seok, who publicly represented Kim Sae Ron’s family during the scandal, now reportedly reclassified as a suspect. Police alleged he helped distribute and amplify disputed materials.

Soo Hyun’s legal team has also reportedly clarified that the actor himself did not personally file a complaint against the lawyer.

Photos: JoongAng Ilbo, ron_sae/IG