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The defamation lawsuit between actor Kim Soo Hyun and YouTuber Kim Se Ui has taken a significant turn. On June 11, Money Today reported that the Seoul Central District Court approved a provisional seizure request filed by Kim Soo Hyun’s agency, GOLDMEDALIST. This ruling enables the agency to temporarily seize two of Kim Se Ui’s high-value properties, signaling that the court sees merit in the damage claims made in the ongoing 12 billion KRW civil lawsuit.
The court made its decision on June 9, shortly after GOLDMEDALIST requested asset protection. The ruling means the agency can now pursue up to 4 billion KRW in secured damages from the properties, providing legal backing to prevent their sale or transfer while the case unfolds. This move is being seen as a preliminary win for the actor and his legal team.
The two residential properties under provisional seizure include a 120.27-square-meter unit in Seocho Buksan Blooming and a 208.65-square-meter unit in the prestigious Apgujeong-dong Hanyang Apartment Complex 4. While the latter is co-owned by Kim Se Ui and his sister, the ruling applies to his 50% stake only. Each property accounts for 2 billion KRW of the agency’s secured claim.
Legal experts say this provisional action reflects the court’s belief that GOLDMEDALIST’s claims have a legitimate basis. Attorney Noh Jong Eon from Law Firm Jonjae explained that the ruling implies the court found enough justification to allow the seizure. However, he clarified that since the decision is provisional, Kim Se Ui’s rebuttal and the full merits of the case are still pending review. The final compensation figure could change following a full trial.
While the properties have high estimated market values—around 2.5 billion KRW for the Seocho unit and approximately 8.87 billion KRW for the Apgujeong apartment—both are reportedly tied to sizable mortgage loans. This could make it more difficult for GOLDMEDALIST to recover the full amount if the court eventually awards damages.
The case stems from serious allegations made by Kim Se Ui in March 2025, when he claimed that Kim Soo Hyun had an inappropriate relationship with actress Kim Sae Ron during her underage years, allegedly enabled by her family. GOLDMEDALIST strongly denied the accusations and clarified that their relationship only began in 2019, after Kim Sae Ron reached the legal age of adulthood.
In response, GOLDMEDALIST launched both civil and criminal lawsuits against Kim Se Ui and Kim Sae Ron’s family, citing defamation, spreading false information, and violation of sexual violence laws. The actress’s family retaliated with a countersuit against Kim Soo Hyun, accusing him of child welfare violations and making false claims. Investigations and legal proceedings on both sides are still ongoing, with public interest intensifying as the case progresses.