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A few days after Kim Se-ui's arrest, director of the YouTube channel GaroSero Research Institute, Kim Soo-hyun's lawyer Kho Sang-rok, has granted YTN a new interview, particularly rich in revelations (in video below). As the investigation seems to be entering a decisive phase, several major points emerge: the appearance of new suspects, the spectacular increase in damages claimed, but also the first indications of the actor's current state and possible comeback.
Kho Sang-rok, an observer who became a key player in the case
One of the most interesting aspects of this interview concerns Kho Sang-rok's role.
Contrary to what many people might think, he was not Kim Soo-hyun's lawyer when the case broke. At the time, he was following the case from the outside and regularly published his legal analyses.
Early on, he was puzzled by several elements. The KakaoTalk captures presented as evidence seemed inconsistent to him, and some of Kim Se-ui's assertions seemed hard to believe. «The further I got, the more inconsistencies appeared,» he explains.
His analyses eventually led him to officially join Kim Soo-hyun's legal team in September 2025.
Why did the police arrest Kim Se-ui?
For Kho Sang-rok, the court's decision goes far beyond a simple case of defamation. In his view, the crux of the matter now concerns the possible manipulation of evidence used to support the accusations against Kim Soo-hyun.
«It's not just a risk of destroying evidence: the documents presented as the essential basis for the accusations have themselves been manipulated,» says the lawyer.
He believes that it was precisely this point that convinced the judges to issue an arrest warrant.
The lawyer is also pleased to see that the findings of the investigation are in line with what Kim Soo-hyun had been claiming for over a year: «What we're most pleased about is that the truth Kim Soo-hyun promised a year ago is finally starting to come out.»
New suspects emerge
One of the most striking points in this new interview concerns the potential widening of responsibilities. Kho Sang-rok confirms having discovered that lawyer Bu Ji-seok now appears in certain investigation documents as a suspect.
Without directly accusing him, he recalls the role played by Bu Ji-seok at press conferences held with Kim Se-ui. «People naturally thought: «A lawyer must have checked the evidence before presenting it».» According to him, this public validation went a long way towards convincing some people.
Another name mentioned: the youtuber and former comedian Kwon Young-chan. His name also appears in certain procedural documents, although his exact role remains to be determined.
Kho Sang-rok believes that the investigators probably already have a complete picture of the case: «The investigation has been going on for over a year. I think the authorities already have a complete picture of everyone's responsibilities.»
30 billion won in damages: who will have to pay?
Another important revelation: the amount of damages claimed could reach almost 30 billion won, or around 20 million euros.
Initially estimated at 12 billion won, the loss was reassessed as the economic consequences of the case became measurable. But beyond the amount, it is above all the philosophy of the legal team that is of particular interest.
«People who are convicted will eventually get out of prison. We also have to make sure they can't do it again.»
The lawyer believes that a heavy financial sentence should also act as a deterrent. In his view, if several people are found liable, they could be sentenced jointly and severally. Kim Soo-hyun could then claim the full amount from any of those convicted.
And the consequences could be long-lasting: «Even in the case of personal bankruptcy, this type of debt resulting from an illicit act is generally not erased. So they could carry it for the rest of their lives.
Has Kim Soo-hyun started planning his comeback?
Naturally, the question on fans' minds concerns Kim Soo-hyun's current state.
On this point, Kho Sang-rok remains extremely cautious. «Objectively speaking, he has been through an extremely difficult ordeal,» he admits.
The lawyer explains that his priority today remains to enable the actor to return to a normal life after more than a year of controversy. «His reputation and dignity have been almost totally destroyed,» he also declares.
However, the actor's comeback seems to be well and truly in the works.
Without announcing any concrete projects, Kho Sang-rok confirms that the agency is actively thinking about what's next. «Our goal is for him to reconnect with audiences through his future projects and fully resume his acting career.»
A case that could still hold surprises
Above all, this new interview shows that Kim Se-ui's arrest is probably just a first step.
New names are appearing in the investigation documents, several pieces of evidence are now being contested by the authorities, and Kim Soo-hyun's legal team seems convinced that other responsibilities will be brought to light.
For Kho Sang-rok, one thing is already certain: «The most important thing is that the truth is now emerging.»
It now remains to be seen how far the findings of the investigation will go, and what the legal consequences will be for all those involved in what has become one of the biggest scandals in the Korean entertainment industry in recent years.
The full interview is available on the Kim Soo Hyun France Facebook page.
