Kim Se-ui, head of Gaseyon [Newsis]
Kim Se-ui, head of Gaseyon [Newsis]

Kim Se-ui, head of the YouTube channel Garo Sero Yeonguso (Gaseyon), who was indicted and detained on charges including defamation of actor Kim Soo-hyun, has asked the trial court to grant him bail, saying he is "certain of acquittal and has no reason to flee."

The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 26, presided over by Judge Lee Hyeon-gyeong, held the second pretrial hearing in Kim's first-instance trial Thursday and conducted a bail examination, according to Edaily.

Kim's legal team argued that the case meets the conditions for mandatory bail and that there is no risk of evidence tampering or residential instability. "Please grant bail to ensure his right to mount a defense," the team told the court.

The defense also said Kim has been held in solitary confinement for more than four months due to threats to his safety inside the detention center, and that despite suffering from panic disorder, he has been unable to receive his medication because it is classified as a psychotropic drug.

Appearing in court in a light green prison uniform, Kim spoke directly to the bench. "I have been demonized by the media while in detention," he said. "I am certain of my innocence and have no reason to flee."

He added that his apartment, valued at 10 billion won ($7.47 million), has been provisionally seized in connection with a civil damages suit filed by Kim Soo-hyun's side. "I will not flee, if only to protect my family and that asset," he said. Kim also disclosed that his elderly mother had indefinitely postponed surgery because of his detention.

Prosecutors opposed the bail request, arguing that Kim had continued to broadcast from detention by passing letters to associates and had leaked court documents. "If released, his use of the trial for YouTube broadcasts will only get worse," they said.


husn7@heraldcorp.com