YouTuber Arrested For Accusing Kim Soo Hyun Faces Threats In Prison, Placed In Solitary Cell

YouTuber Kim Se Ui, who operates the popular YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, has reportedly been placed in a solitary cell at the Seoul Detention Center after being arrested for spreading false information about Kim Soo Hyun, including his involvement in the death of actress Kim Sae Ron.

Kim’s arrest warrant was approved by the Seoul Central District Court last month, after which he was held at the Gangnam Police Station detention facility and was later transferred to the Seoul Detention Center. According to Kyunhyang Shinmun’s June 29 report, the YouTuber has been assigned a single-occupancy cell since early June at this very facility.

Kim Se Ui’s attorneys have reportedly expressed concern over his safety, citing the possibility of personal retaliation while he remains detained. These concerns primarily sprouted from another YouTuber, Eun Hyun Jang’s supposed threats toward Kim. Just a day after Kim’s arrest, Eun held a livestream where he warned Kim of retaliation and even called on prison cell leaders to contact him, promising them monetary compensation in exchange for “handling” the matter for him. These comments have largely been interpreted as open threats. Eun Hyun Jang had previously sued Kim for linking him to an investment fraud case.

The South Korean correctional system usually houses detainees in shared cells. However, an inmate can get assigned a solitary cell if authorities deem that additional protection or security is necessary. Since this provision is made available only after the authorities review the circumstances of each case, Kim Se Ui being assigned a solitary cell indicates that the prison authorities found some merit in his lawyer’s claims.

Meanwhile, the YouTuber is slated to stand trial on August 13 (KST) on charges of stalking and intimidation of popular Mukbang creator Tzuyang. He is also expected to appear in court next month for the hearing of the defamation case involving actor Kim Soo Hyun. The first hearing is scheduled on July 14 (KST).