Kim Se Eui, the operator of HoverLab, was taken out of the courtroom in handcuffs after a one-hour review of a procedure in which a court examines whether a suspect who has been unlawfully arrested or detained should be released.
The Seoul Central District Court denied his bail request, and he remains in custody in the Kim Soo Hyun defamation case.
Kim argued that he should be released on bail, claiming he is the target of a smear campaign. “As I am detained and unable to actively respond, a specific group has emerged and begun spreading serious false information, defaming actor Kim Sae Ron and her family,” Kim said. “The situation could develop in a way that makes it appear as if all the claims made by the bereaved family and me are false. Therefore, the outcome of today’s bail review is crucial.”
Meanwhile, Kim Soo Hyun’s legal representative, attorney Kho Sang Rok, stated, “We will do our utmost to help the actor return to the public through new projects.”
The defense lawyer also called for strict consequences for the perpetrators to deter future cybercrimes. “The economic foundation itself must be destroyed to prevent recurrence,” Kho said. “A precedent must be set through exemplary punishment.”
He noted that a substantial damages award could push the defendant into financial ruin, as compensation for criminal acts is not dischargeable through personal bankruptcy.
While Kho previously mentioned expanding the damages claim from 12 billion won to as much as 30 billion won ($19.8 million), he added that no final decision has been made, as the actor’s career recovery remains the top priority.
>> HoverLab Operator Allegedly Plans to Use Late Kim Sae Ron’s Mother to Reduce Jail Time
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