According to reports, prosecutors have confirmed the possibility that an audio file released as evidence supporting allegations that actor Kim Soo-hyun dated the late Kim Sae-ron while she was underage had been manipulated.
In an exclusive report on the 26th, JTBC said the Scientific Investigation Division of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office of the Republic of Korea (SPO) examined the audio file released by Kim Se-ui, head of the Garo Sero Research Institute, and found signs suggesting that it had been edited and rerecorded.
Earlier, Kim Se-ui held a press conference in May and released the audio file, saying it was a recording of the late Kim Sae-ron speaking with an acquaintance. The recording included remarks attributed to Kim Sae-ron saying that she had dated Kim Soo-hyun since middle school, sparking a major controversy.
Kim Soo-hyun's side denied the claim at the time, saying the audio had been fabricated using AI and other tools. Kim Se-ui rejected that explanation, and the dispute over its authenticity continued.
However, JTBC reported that prosecutors requested an audio analysis from the SPO during supplementary investigations. The analysis reportedly found signs that the audio signal had been interrupted, as well as differences in the frequency ranges of the male and female voices.
Based on those findings, prosecutors are said to have concluded that "there is a possibility that a female voice recorded on another device was played back and then rerecorded." They also said it could not be ruled out that a separately produced voice recording was played and then recorded again to make it sound like a real conversation.
Prosecutors are also reportedly moving ahead with procedures to recover criminal proceeds from Kim Se-ui. The Criminal Proceeds Recovery Division at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office is said to be tracing the flow of funds by reviewing donation accounts under Kim's name.
Minister of Justice Jung Sung-ho previously said, "We will block Cyber Wrecker crimes through a thorough recovery of criminal proceeds, leaving not a single won behind."
Meanwhile, Kim Se-ui is also on trial for stalking and threatening YouTuber Tzuyang. He did not appear at the first hearing, and the court reportedly warned that it could issue a warrant for his arrest.
tokkig@sportschosun.com
