Supporters of renowned actor Kim Soo-hyun have united to enlist legal protection on his behalf amid an escalating storm of public defamation. On April 22, a coalition of his domestic and international fans announced the official appointment of attorney Yang Tae-young of Lawfirm Siwoo, signaling their determination to confront malicious accusations, unfounded rumors, and defamatory attacks that have been circulating online. Their statement, released digitally, emphasized their collective refusal to remain passive in the face of what they describe as a coordinated campaign to tarnish the actor’s reputation.
The fan community behind this initiative comprises members from Ukaris—an established fan club on Daum with over 29,000 members—and contributors from the forum DC Inside. In a declaration of solidarity, they vowed to pursue legal action against individuals and media outlets responsible for disseminating slander or manipulating narratives to mislead the public. Their message underscored a zero-tolerance stance toward content designed to malign the actor, warning that they would respond assertively to any ongoing character assaults.
This mobilization follows a surge of controversy triggered by the far-right YouTube channel Hoverlab, which alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had engaged in a relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was still underage. The channel aired several videos and images purportedly serving as evidence. These claims, widely circulated, have fueled intense media scrutiny and social media discourse, despite Kim Soo-hyun’s public denial of any impropriety.
In response to the escalating attacks, Kim Soo-hyun’s agency, Goldmedalist, has filed charges against Hoverlab’s operator, Kim Se-ui, for defamation and cyberstalking. The actor himself addressed the issue during an emotional press conference in late March, where he clarified that his relationship with Kim Sae-ron only began after she had legally come of age. This public appearance was accompanied by a visible display of support from fans, who parked an LED truck near the venue bearing messages of solidarity.
Through their legal campaign, Kim Soo-hyun’s admirers not only aim to shield the actor from further reputational harm but also to set a precedent for responsible fan culture. They describe their actions as a moral obligation and a broader call to preserve the dignity of public figures in an age of rampant digital hostility. Their unified stance serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unchecked online discourse and the growing role fans play in advocating for accountability.
