A viral post on South Korea's popular online forum Pann has sparked intense debate over the recent controversies surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun, with fans declaring him a victim of "cyber wrecker crimes" and calling for an end to what they describe as a wave of online defamation and secondary harm.
The post, titled "Kim Soo-hyun Is a Victim of Cyber Wrecker Crimes," quickly climbed to the top of Pann's trending list, garnering widespread support as well as criticism.
The author, a self-described longtime fan, condemned what they described as the unjust targeting of the 36-year-old actor, whose career has come under scrutiny following multiple legal and reputational challenges.
"At a time when Garo Sero is facing repercussions for fake news and asset seizures, and with more than 50,000 people having signed a national petition, I feel compelled to speak out as a long-time fan of Kim Soo-hyun," the post began, referencing the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute and its founder, Kim Se-eui.
The channel is now being investigated for spreading unverified rumors about celebrities. It has been on the receiving end of asset seizures and lawsuits—a lawsuit Kim has reportedly filed himself.
The fan post argued that online narratives and manipulated media have wrongfully implicated the actor. "Please stop the secondary attacks," the writer urged.
"If there's talk of contract breaches or reputational fallout, it's the creators of fake news who should be held accountable — not the actor who has been harmed."
One brand in particular, Classys Inc., was singled out in the post for allegedly escalating the situation by filing a provisional seizure of the actor's assets.
"While we acknowledge Classys as a respected brand," the post stated, "its recent actions represent a clear violation of personal privacy and secondary harm instead of showing loyalty during crisis."
The final plea read, "Please stop the secondary harm."
In response, many netizens voiced agreement, echoing concerns over the damage cyber harassment and false reports can cause to public figures.
Others, however, pushed back firmly, pointing to past controversies involving Kim, including his alleged relationship with actress Kim Sae-ron during her underage years.
This allegation has never been officially confirmed.
"What exactly makes him a victim?" one commenter asked. "He met Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, and that's what ruined him."
Another viral comment referenced a past scandal: "That underwear-and-bra video was seriously disturbing. Just stop with the 'beloved by the public' narrative."
The backlash highlights the deep-seated divisions in public opinion, even as Kim Soo-hyun continues to face legal challenges.
Earlier this week, reports confirmed that Classys Inc. had moved forward with legal proceedings, prompting some of the actor's fans to threaten a boycott of the brand.
Kim Soo-hyun has not publicly commented on the viral post or the renewed debate surrounding his reputation.
Despite the controversy, supporters insist the actor is being unfairly targeted. "He's not guilty of anything proven," another fan wrote.
"It's Garo Sero and these gossip peddlers who should be on trial."
Amid the backlash from the entertainment industry, following cyber defamation attacks and transfers that blurred the line between rumor and truth, Kim's case illustrates how relationships among celebrities, their fans, and the digital sphere affect public perception.
