A public petition in South Korea demanding stricter laws against online defamation has gained over 54,000 signatures. The petition targets YouTube channel Garosero for spreading false information about actor Kim Soo Hyun and the late actress Kim Sae Ron. It was filed on May 22 and will stay open until June 21.
The petition calls for legal action against Garosero for sharing private messages, photos, and videos of Kim Sae Ron without proof. It also accuses the channel of damaging Kim Soo Hyun’s reputation by claiming he dated Kim Sae Ron when she was underage.
Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, denied these claims. They said the two only dated in 2019, after Kim Sae Ron turned 19. The agency has filed lawsuits against Garosero and Kim Sae Ron’s family for spreading lies.
Kim Sae Ron’s family blames YouTuber Lee Jin Ho for her death. They say his false reports about her relationship with Kim Soo Hyun caused her extreme stress. Lee Jin Ho denies this and says he only reported facts.
The scandal has hurt Kim Soo Hyun’s career. His drama Knock-Off was postponed, and he lost brand deals. Meanwhile, Kim Sae Ron’s family wants him to apologize for ignoring her when she asked for help before her death.
“Indiscriminate spreading of false information can no longer be tolerated,” the petition states. It asks for stronger laws to punish those who spread fake news online.
Kim Soo Hyun’s legal team says Garosero’s claims are absurd. The channel alleged he hired hitmen to silence a witness, which his lawyers call “ridiculous and unbelievable.”
Kim Sae Ron died in February at age 24. Her family says financial and emotional struggles led to her death. They shared private texts to prove her past relationship with Kim Soo Hyun, which he confirmed but said ended in 2020.
The case has sparked debates about online harassment in South Korea. Many want stricter rules to stop false rumors from ruining lives.
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Credits: Sources include GMA News Online, and Korea JoongAng Daily.
