The Criminal Division 26 of the Seoul Central District Court held the second pretrial hearing for Kim Se Ui on October 15. He appeared in court in a prison uniform, with his graying hair drawing attention. Kim Se Ui denied the charges against him, claiming the prosecution unfairly portrayed him as a villain, insisting on his innocence. He requested release on bail, confident in his eventual acquittal.
However, prosecutors opposed his bail application, citing concerns that he may continue to influence broadcasts from detention. The court discussed evidentiary matters with both sides, with prosecutors intending to amend the indictment. The pretrial proceedings will continue, with the next hearing scheduled for October 28.
The first pretrial hearing took place in September, and the case was reassigned to the Criminal Division 26 for further proceedings with a panel of three judges.
The indictment alleges that Kim Se Ui spread false information about Kim Soo Hyun through various channels and manipulated audio recordings using AI. He has denied the charges, with his legal team arguing in his defense. The court plans to call witnesses for examination to further investigate the allegations.
Additionally, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office has taken measures to secure assets potentially linked to criminal proceeds earned by Kim Se Ui. Auction proceedings involving his real estate have been initiated, adding financial complications to his legal battle.
Sources: Nate