'Karacula Detective Agency' Claiming to Be Detective YouTubers
Suspect's Real Name and Photo Revealed in Video on the 2nd
YouTuber 'Caracula,' who covers incidents and accidents, has sparked controversy by revealing the personal information of the perpetrator involved in the Busan spinning kick incident.
On the 2nd, the incident and accident-specialized YouTube channel 'Caracula Detective Agency' uploaded a video about the 'Busan spinning kick incident,' which had caused national outrage. The video included △an interview with the victim of the Busan spinning kick incident △the perpetrator's personal information △an explanation from Caracula on why they disclosed the perpetrator's information despite knowing it was illegal. While the perpetrator's identity was revealed, the victim's face was blurred.
Netizens expressed emotional sympathy for Caracula's actions but voiced concerns that an individual distributing related information outside the bounds of the law could lead to serious social side effects.
In the video, the victim appealed, "I kept saying that (disclosing the perpetrator's identity) was very necessary. The main psychology behind victims wanting the perpetrator's identity revealed is 'I hope no one else suffers.' But those who oppose disclosing the perpetrator's identity say, 'Isn't this private punishment? Isn't it private revenge?' so I feel wronged."
Caracula said, "I constantly pondered whether it was appropriate for a private YouTube channel, not a government agency, to disclose the perpetrator's personal information," adding, "If I disclose the perpetrator's identity without following legal procedures, I could also be punished for 'defamation by stating facts.' Also, I could become a lifelong target of retaliatory crimes by the perpetrator who committed such a heinous act," expressing concern.
While acknowledging concerns that "(disclosing the identity) might be excessive private punishment," Caracula explained, "However, the victim actively wants the perpetrator's identity disclosed, which the investigative agencies missed. Also, seeing the victim trembling in fear of retaliatory crimes after the perpetrator's release, I, as a YouTuber, concluded that sharing the pain by revealing the perpetrator's identity was the way."
Some netizens supported Caracula's disclosure of the perpetrator's identity, but the majority expressed concerns about private punishment, as it constitutes another criminal act without following proper legal procedures.
After the video was released, YouTube reportedly stated, "A personal information infringement report has been received," and "We will consider restricting the content after confirming the violation of personal information protection guidelines."
The Busan spinning kick incident occurred in May last year in the hallway on the first floor of an officetel in Seomyeon, Busan. A man in his 30s assaulted a woman he did not know unilaterally. The perpetrator was sentenced to 12 years in prison in the first trial in October last year and is currently incarcerated. The prosecution has demanded a 35-year prison sentence for the perpetrator in the ongoing appeal trial.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
