Lee Geun, Reason for Visiting Suwon District Court... "To See Foot-and-Mouth Disease Detention"

'FMD Threatening Tzuyang' Undergoes Detention Hearing
Also on Trial for Defamation Charges

Former Navy Special Warfare Command (UDT) Captain Lee Geun visited the court. He was there to check the results of the warrant hearing for YouTuber Gujeyeok (real name Lee Junhee), who is accused of extortion against mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jungwon).

According to the Suwon District Court, on the 26th, the pre-trial detention hearing (warrant hearing) for Gujeyeok and YouTuber Jujakgambalsa (real name Jeon Gukjin) began. They are accused of threatening Tzuyang to extort money. Earlier, the prosecution requested pre-trial detention warrants for them on the 23rd on charges of extortion, threats, and coercion.

Former Captain Lee Geun (left), YouTuber Gujeok (right). [Photo by Yonhap News]

Separately from this case, former Captain Lee is engaged in a legal dispute with Gujeyeok over defamation. At the Suwon District Court on the same day, Lee told reporters, "I came because there was a detention hearing for Gujeyeok," adding, "I think Gujeyeok will be detained today. That's why I came to see." He continued, "I feel very sorry for Tzuyang," and raised his voice, saying, "Cyber wreckers must never appear again." The term "cyber wrecker" is a derogatory expression referring to people who create content on socially sensitive topics to attract attention.

The bad blood between former Captain Lee and Gujeyeok began four years ago. Lee explained, "I have fought with Gujeyeok for a very long time," adding, "Gujeyeok has been spreading false information for over four years. Since the program 'Fake Men,' I have filed seven lawsuits against him so far." Gujeyeok is currently on trial at the Suwon District Court on charges of defamation against Lee and others. Lee said, "My trial sentencing date was the 18th, but it was postponed to September as it was consolidated with the Tzuyang case."

Meanwhile, Gujeyeok and Jujakgambalsa did not appear in front of the courthouse on the day but entered the courtroom through a separate private passage. However, before moving to the court, Gujeyeok reportedly told reporters gathered in front of the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office, "I will sincerely undergo the hearing." The decision on whether to issue detention warrants for Gujeyeok and others is expected to be announced late in the afternoon.

Gujeyeok and Jujakgambalsa are accused of receiving 55 million won from Tzuyang in February last year on the condition that they would not reveal the past between Tzuyang and her ex-boyfriend. The YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute claimed on the 10th that Tzuyang was threatened by YouTubers including Gujeyeok and Jujakgambalsa, using the fact that she had worked at a bar in the past as leverage. Subsequently, Tzuyang revealed through her own YouTube broadcast that she was forced to work while suffering from continuous violence and threats from her ex-boyfriend, and filed complaints with the prosecution against Gujeyeok, Jujakgambalsa, the operator of the Crime Research Institute, and anonymous threats.