Actor Kim Soo-hyun has taken his words from a past press conference into a courtroom. After denying allegations surrounding him and taking legal action, the actor recently appeared as a witness in an ongoing defamation and stalking trial.
Kim attended the first trial hearing held by Criminal Agreement Division 26 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Hyun-kyung) concerning YouTuber A, who faces charges including defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, violations of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes, and violations of the Stalking Punishment Act.
A crowd of reporters gathered at the courthouse to capture his arrival. However, rather than using the main entrance where reporters waited, Kim moved to the courtroom through a separate passage. He attended without making any public remarks, and the witness examination was held behind closed doors.
The court stated, “We will hold the session in private to protect the victim’s privacy, and lift the closed-door status after the witness examination.” The court then asked the defendant and audience members to leave. When YouTuber A requested to directly question the witness, the judge responded, “We will give you the opportunity to ask questions through your legal counsel.”
While Kim’s specific testimony was not publicly disclosed, his attendance recalls the legal approach he outlined during his press conference. At the time, rather than appealing for blind trust, Kim emphasized that he would prove the factual truth.
Following the passing of the late Kim Sae-ron, allegations emerged claiming that Kim had maintained a romantic relationship with her when she was a minor and pressured her regarding debt repayments. Amid escalating controversies surrounding his personal life and the circumstances of the deceased’s passing, Kim stepped forward directly through a press conference to deny the claims.
During that press conference, Kim stated, “What has not been done has not been done. For everyone who still believes in me, I want to bring that truth to light.” He added, “I will not ask you to simply believe me. I will definitely prove it,” signaling his intent to contest the allegations through legal procedures rather than emotional appeals.
The related case subsequently transitioned into official investigations and trials. YouTuber A was arrested on charges including defamation by publishing falsehoods, stalking, distribution of illegal footage, coercion, and threats. A request for a review of the legality of the arrest was also dismissed.
Meanwhile, Kim has pursued multiple criminal complaints against individuals accused of impersonating the deceased’s bereaved family members and aunt. Having publicly refuted the allegations, he has continued his legal response, culminating in his appearance as a witness in the criminal trial.
Though his roles differed between the press conference where he addressed a barrage of questions and the courtroom where he testified before the bench, Kim’s stance remains consistent as he continues to follow through on his promise to prove the truth.
