Kim Soo-hyun files lawsuit against YouTuber for blackmail

▲ Kim Soo-hyun is shown in this undated photo provided by Gold Medalist. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

   SEOUL, March 24 (Yonhap) -- Actor Kim Soo-hyun has filed a lawsuit against a YouTuber for blackmail, his legal representative, LKB & Partners, said Monday.

   The lawsuit marks the latest escalation in a legal battle between Kim and Hoverlab, a YouTube channel that previously alleged the "Queen of Tears" star had dated late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor.

   The law firm said Kim Se-ui, the operator of Hoverlab, allegedly threatened to release a video clip unless Disney+ canceled the release of its Korean original series "Knock-Off," which cast Kim as the lead protagonist. 

   On Friday, the global streaming platform said it would pause its plans to release the series citing the ongoing controversy. 

   The law firm also condemned the channel for referencing the infamous Nth Room sex crime case during a live broadcast, implying the actor was involved in similar offenses.

   "The claim is entirely false and constitutes a grave criminal act," it said.

   Last week, Kim filed a complaint against the YouTuber for sharing a photo of him taken from behind without trousers. 

   Kim has been at the center of controversy since March 10, when the allegations against him first surfaced.

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