South Korea is facing a major public outcry over rising cyberbullying and AI-generated defamation cases in the entertainment industry. The recent scandal involving actor Kim Soo-Hyun and the tragic death of Lee Sun-Kyun have pushed citizens to demand stronger laws against online harassment.
A controversial YouTube channel, Garosero Research Institute, is at the center of the controversy. The channel used AI to create fake content claiming Kim Soo-Hyun dated actress Kim Sae Ron when she was a minor. The false allegations caused massive backlash, with fans and the public condemning the misuse of AI for spreading lies.
Kim Soo-Hyun has taken legal action against Garosero and Kim Sae Ron’s family, filing complaints for defamation, stalking, and harassment. This case has reignited discussions about online abuse, especially after Lee Sun-Kyun’s suicide in 2023. The Parasite actor was a victim of blackmail and false rumors, which led to extreme mental distress.
The public response has been strong. A petition for the “Gaseyeon Prevention Act” has gained over 15,800 signatures. It needs 50,000 signatures within 30 days to be reviewed by South Korea’s National Assembly. The proposed law aims to stop digital defamation, AI-generated fake news, and cyberbullying. It also seeks to protect ordinary citizens, not just celebrities.
Many celebrities have joined the movement, including singer Kim Gun-mo, broadcaster Park Soo-hong, actress Han Ye-seul, and YouTuber Tzuyang. Reporter Kang Kyung-Yoon, another victim of Garosero’s attacks, shared how online harassment affects mental health.
The petition highlights how platforms like Garosero cause severe emotional harm. Some victims have even taken extreme steps due to relentless online attacks. The public is urging lawmakers to act fast before more lives are ruined.
“We can no longer tolerate the social evil of hiding behind anonymity and broadcasting false information,” said one netizen supporting the petition.
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Another petition with similar demands was filed earlier, calling for strict actions against YouTubers who spread unverified rumors. It mentions how some channels profit by attacking celebrities and politicians with fake stories.
The tragic cases of Kim Sae-ron, Lee Sun-Kyun and currently happening with Kim Soo-hyun have exposed the dark side of online culture in South Korea. With public pressure growing, the government may finally take steps to enforce stricter laws against cyberbullying and AI misuse.
