The unwavering support of fans can be a powerful force, and the followers of actor Kim Soo Hyun are proving just that.
Today, April 22nd, the Kim Soo Hyun Fan Union, a coalition of prominent fan communities including Daum Cafe Eucharis and DC Inside’s Kim Soo Hyun Gallery, announced they have officially initiated legal action against individuals responsible for spreading malicious and false rumors about the actor online.
The move underscores the deep concern of Kim Soo Hyun’s fanbase, who have witnessed a persistent barrage of defamatory content targeting their idol. In their official statement, the fan union declared,
“There has been an ongoing spread of malicious rumors and defamation targeting Kim Soo Hyun by individuals unrelated to him through online communities and social media. We are currently pursuing a criminal complaint.”
Representing the united fanbase is Attorney Yang Tae Young from the esteemed Law Firm Siwoo. He revealed that the legal complaint will be filed with the Seoul Seongbuk Police Station as early as this week. The charges being pursued are for defamation under Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act, a crucial distinction from insult charges, as defamation can be pursued by third parties even without a direct complaint from the victim.
The Fan Union was keen to emphasize that this is a global effort, with international fan communities actively participating in the initiative.
“This is a voluntary movement to protect the actor’s rights and preserve a healthy fan culture,” the union stated firmly. “We will not tolerate personal attacks or defamatory comments disguised as freedom of expression. No leniency will be shown.”
They further asserted that they have diligently collected substantial evidence over several months, including malicious comments, manipulated images, and fabricated posts that have been circulating online.
This fan-led legal action follows a separate legal complaint filed by Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, Gold Medalist, on April 15th. The agency stated,
“Groundless speculation and unverified claims are being repeatedly posted online, damaging the artist’s reputation,” confirming that they have pursued defamation and insult charges with the relevant authorities.
Last month saw Kim Soo Hyun’s side file a significant 12 billion KRW (approximately $8.7 million USD) damages lawsuit against the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron and the operators of the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute (HoverLab).
These legal actions are a direct response to claims made by Kim Sae Ron’s family and the Garosero Research Institute, who alleged a past relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron spanning from 2015 to 2021, a period during which Kim Sae Ron was a minor. They presented supposed evidence including a handwritten letter from Kim Soo Hyun during his military service and a photograph appearing to show them kissing.
What are your thoughts on the actor’s fan union taking legal action on his behalf? Let us know in the comment section below!
