Fans of South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun have taken legal action to shield him from defamation and online abuse. On April 22, the fan coalition announced they had hired attorney Yang Tae-young from Lawfirm Siwoo to represent the actor and combat ongoing defamatory content circulating online. They issued a public statement asserting that repeated personal attacks and unfounded rumors about Kim have gone too far, and as devoted supporters, they felt compelled to act in defense of his reputation.
The coalition includes members of “Ukaris,” a major fan club on Daum with nearly 30,000 members, and contributors from the online forum DC Inside. They emphasized their plan to respond aggressively to defamatory posts and false reports in the media. The group said this initiative was both a defense of Kim Soo-hyun’s dignity and an effort to preserve a respectful and supportive fan culture. Their statement underscored a shared belief that loyal fans have a responsibility to stand up against malicious actions aimed at the actor.
This move follows heightened controversy surrounding Kim Soo-hyun after rumors emerged via a far-right YouTube channel, Hoverlab, claiming that he had dated late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was underage. The channel published photos and videos it alleged supported this claim. These accusations prompted a public backlash and widespread online speculation, further fueling negative discourse around the actor.
In response, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Goldmedalist, filed legal charges against Kim Se-ui, the individual behind Hoverlab, for cyber defamation and stalking. Meanwhile, the actor held a press conference to clarify that while he had dated Kim Sae-ron, their relationship began after she had reached the age of majority. The press event, held on March 31, was emotional and widely covered in the media.
Supporters also demonstrated their backing through visible displays like a large LED truck promoting Kim Soo-hyun’s innocence, parked near the venue of the press conference. Their efforts aim to counteract the damage done to the actor’s public image and affirm their commitment to preserving his integrity amid the controversy.
The broader situation has sparked debate in South Korea over the boundaries between public scrutiny and personal privacy, especially in the age of social media. While Kim’s fans rally to protect him legally and socially, the case raises important questions about online accountability and the treatment of public figures during periods of scandal or misinformation.
