South Korea has recently been grappling with a surge in cyberbullying, false accusations fueled by artificial intelligence, and damaging online behavior. The latest controversy involves actor Kim Soo-Hyun, who became the target of fabricated AI content spread by the notorious YouTube channel, Garosero Research Institute. This incident has intensified public discussions on digital abuse and the urgent need for regulation.
The controversy has ignited widespread public outrage, prompting a national push for legislative action. Citizens have come together to support the Gaseyeon Prevention Act, a proposed law intended to counteract the harmful effects of online defamation, misinformation, trolling, and abuse powered by AI-generated content. The movement underscores a growing concern over the impact of unchecked digital harassment.
This legislative proposal, the Gaseyeon Prevention Act, aims to provide legal protection for both public figures and everyday individuals. The Act seeks to establish safeguards against the online scandals that have destroyed reputations and led to personal tragedies. The push for this law gained traction particularly after the high-profile suicide of actor Lee Sun-Kyun, who was reportedly a victim of blackmail and slander.
Lee Sun-Kyun’s passing in 2023 came as a shock not only to his fans but also to the South Korean entertainment community. The actor, known for his role in the film Parasite, was subjected to malicious rumors and threats prior to his death. Following investigations, those responsible for the blackmail and false claims were eventually arrested, further exposing the dangers of digital harassment.
In response to these events, a formal petition has been launched and has already gathered over 15,800 signatures. The campaign’s goal is to collect at least 50,000 signatures within 30 days. Should it meet the threshold, the petition will be officially reviewed by South Korea’s National Assembly, opening the path for swift legislative action.
The YouTube channel at the center of the storm, Garosero, has drawn heavy criticism for spreading baseless allegations and orchestrating smear campaigns against celebrities. The petition accuses Garosero of causing serious psychological and reputational harm, with some victims reportedly driven to suicide. Investigative journalist Kang Kyung-Yoon has also been among those targeted by the group’s defamatory content.
Several prominent South Korean public figures have been victimized by these online attacks. The list includes names like singer Kim Gun-mo, television host Park Soo-hong, actress Han Ye-seul, influencer Tzuyang, and the late Lee Sun-Kyun. Their cases illustrate the broader crisis affecting individuals in the spotlight, who are often left vulnerable to unregulated digital scrutiny.
The latest accusation from Garosero alleges that Kim Soo-Hyun was romantically involved with actress Kim Sae-Ron while she was underage. These claims have prompted Kim Soo-Hyun to take legal action, filing lawsuits for defamation and harassment against the YouTube channel and Kim Sae-Ron’s family. His case has further fueled the call for stronger online protection laws and accountability in the digital space.