South Korea’s entertainment sector has recently come under fire due to a surge in cybercrimes involving manipulated videos, audios, and AI-generated visuals. One prominent incident features beloved actor Kim Soo Hyun, who is now at the center of a storm following allegations that he was romantically involved with late actress Kim Sae Ron during her underage years.
The controversy erupted after the GaroSero Research Institute, a contentious YouTube channel, released what it claimed were private images, messages, and handwritten letters suggesting a secret relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and the deceased actress. These supposed revelations quickly spread across online platforms, causing widespread uproar.
In a significant twist, new reports have surfaced indicating that some of this material may have been artificially generated, further complicating the already sensitive issue. This revelation has ignited a public outcry and led to an online petition advocating for the enactment of the Gaseyeon Prevention Act, aimed at regulating online misinformation and malicious content.
The proposed legislation, named the Gaseyeon Prevention Act, is designed to tackle cyberbullying, digital defamation, and the distribution of fake news. Its objective is to hold individuals and platforms accountable for spreading harmful, unfounded narratives. This bill has gained considerable traction among the public, who view it as a necessary step toward digital justice.
On May 27, a viral online post encouraged citizens to back this new bill. The campaign urged internet users to recognize the dangers of unchecked digital harassment and stand in solidarity with victims by pushing for more stringent regulations and safeguards online.
The petition quickly gained momentum, and by the end of the day, over 19,000 individuals had endorsed it via the National Assembly’s official platform. The initiative requires at least 50,000 signatures by June 21 to prompt lawmakers to act and move the legislation forward in the parliamentary process.
At the heart of the controversy is the GaroSero Research Institute, notorious for publishing provocative content and allegedly using paid online trolls to manipulate public opinion and fuel hate campaigns. Many citizens blame the channel for contributing to the mental distress and reputational damage suffered by public figures.
The petition not only demands legal action against such unethical platforms but also calls for robust investigations, strict consequences, and long-term bans for repeat offenders. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of providing support to victims of online abuse, enabling them to rebuild their dignity and reclaim control over their digital narratives.