In one of the most high-profile YouTube scandals rocking South Korea, controversial Garo Sero host Kim Se Ui has officially been hit where it hurts, his wallet. The Seoul High Court ruled that if he continues uploading defamatory videos about mukbang star Tzuyang (Park Jeong Won), he must pay a ₩10 million fine per clip.
Malicious commentators & liars such as Kim Se Ui of GaroSero Research Institute and Kwon Young Chan should be severely punished. pic.twitter.com/QuZEIV3eY1
— Good Triumps Evil🕯️ (@Rebecca3409670) June 26, 2025
Kim Se Ui faces brutal court blow in Tzuyang case
This comes after months of legal battles in which Tzuyang accused Kim Se Ui of blackmail, coercion, and privacy violations. It all began with a shady audio clip aired by Garo Sero, featuring two YouTubers allegedly discussing how to exploit her using personal details. Even after Tzuyang emotionally opened up about abuse from a former partner, the channel did not stop.
Kim Se Ui faces brutal court blow in Tzuyang case | Credit: Namuwiki
Court issues serious warning after continued harassment
While an earlier ruling acknowledged the damage caused, it did not result in any financial penalties, and that leniency clearly backfired. The new court decision stated that Kim Se Ui and Garo Sero continued to amplify harmful rumours, showing blatant disregard for the first ruling. The court said harsher measures were necessary to prevent repeated violations.
Kim Se UI’s new venture. 😂 pic.twitter.com/lrMUSuHcQt
— Good Triumps Evil🕯️ (@Rebecca3409670) June 26, 2025
Tzuyang’s legal reappeal succeeded, and now Kim Se Ui must either back off or cough up serious cash.
Kim Soo Hyun hits back with fresh lawsuit
Meanwhile, actor Kim Soo Hyun is not sitting quietly either. He had already obtained a court order to seize two of Kim Se Ui’s high-end properties, and on June 24, he filed an additional lawsuit against him. The charges? False accusations, fabricated audio evidence, and defamation involving actress Kim Sae Ron.
Kim Soo Hyun’s apartment seized by advertiser over unpaid penalty | Credit: X
His legal team claimed that Kim Se Ui, along with the late Kim Sae Ron’s family, crossed the line by submitting forged recordings and filing baseless complaints under the Child Welfare Act. They called it a “clear and serious case of false accusation” and confirmed that further legal proceedings are underway.
Could jail time be next for Kim Se Ui?
Kim Se Ui has already dodged two police summons, blaming his busy schedule during South Korea’s presidential elections. But now that the political dust has settled, authorities are running out of patience. If he continues to ignore investigations, he could be looking at jail time.
With both Tzuyang and Kim Soo Hyun going full throttle legally, the pressure is mounting fast, and the controversial YouTuber may finally be out of defences.
