AI Voice Manipulation Suspected in Controversial Audio Allegedly Featuring Late Kim Sae-ron

Controversy is rapidly escalating around an audio recording allegedly featuring the late actress Kim Sae-ron, as allegations of AI voice manipulation surface. The file, which includes claims of a romantic relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun, has become the center of scrutiny after YouTuber Lee Jin-ho dissected its authenticity in a May 14 video titled “Will Kim Se-ui Run Again? AI Analysis of Kim Sae-ron’s Recording Blaming Kim Soo-hyun.”

According to Lee, the analysis was conducted by a professional forensic audio agency, and it revealed that the recording may have been artificially generated using advanced AI software. “Many believed the voice was real due to its high clarity,” he said, stressing that even publicly available tools can now replicate such high-quality voices.

Lee presented a filtered version of the audio, which reportedly features Kim Sae-ron stating she dated Kim Soo-hyun since middle school. He demonstrated how, upon noise reduction, the voice attributed to the whistleblower became distorted, whereas the alleged voice of Kim Sae-ron remained unusually crisp and clear—a common trait of AI-generated speech.

“Real human voice loses some quality when noise is removed. AI-generated voice, on the other hand, maintains articulation even if the volume drops,” Lee explained.

He cited another case involving a fabricated AI voice of business figure Eun Hyun-jang to further solidify his claim that the technology is capable of deceiving even trained ears.

To support the AI fabrication claim, Lee explained a method based on how human and synthetic voices react to noise removal: “When noise is removed from a real human voice recording, you typically hear breathing and vocal distortions, which can cause the voice to degrade or become muffled. But AI voices are not as affected—volume may drop, but articulation remains clear.” He showcased this with a processed version of the controversial recording.

The filtered version included the part where the voice allegedly belonging to Kim Sae-ron mentioned dating actor Kim Soo-hyun since middle school. According to Lee, while the whistleblower’s voice became distorted and unclear after noise reduction, the alleged voice of Kim Sae-ron remained clear and undisturbed—suggesting the use of AI synthesis.

Meanwhile on May 7, Garosero Research Institute and Kim Sae-ron’s family lawyer held a press conference, presenting a recording alleging that Kim Sae-ron had her first sexual encounter with Kim Soo-hyun in 8th grade. The informant, based in New Jersey, also claimed to have been attacked under orders from attorney Ko Sang-rok. However, suspicions have since emerged that the audio may have been AI-generated, casting doubt on its credibility. In response, Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team filed an additional lawsuit on May 9 against Gaseyeon’s Kim Se-ui and Kim Sae-ron’s family.