Media Falsehood vs. Documentary Truth: The Case of Kim Soo-hyun
The principle of veracity is a cornerstone in the protection of honor and reputation under both criminal and civil law in South Korea. In today’s highly digitalized media environment, the dissemination of unverified accusations not only threatens the dignity of individuals but also undermines public confidence in the media and in the justice system itself. The case of actor Kim Soo-hyun, accused by the digital outlet Gaseyeon of having maintained an illicit relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron since her school years, serves as a paradigmatic example. A legal analysis reveals a marked discrepancy between the public accusations and the objective evidence available.
