"Comedian's Mukbang Promotion"... YouTuber Cheats Jeju Merchants and Pocketed 200 Million Won

Disappeared After Receiving 40 Million Won Under the Pretext of Investment

A YouTube channel operator in his 40s was arrested by the police for deceiving business owners by promising to promote their stores through so-called 'mukbang' (eating broadcasts) featuring comedians, and then pocketing the money.

On the 5th, the Jeju Western Police Station announced that they had arrested Mr. A, a man in his 40s, on charges of fraud. Mr. A is accused of deceiving 75 merchants operating restaurants and cafes in Jeju from July 2022 to last March by promising to promote their stores through YouTube broadcasts and pocketing about 200 million won.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

It was confirmed that each merchant suffered damages ranging from as little as 600,000 won to as much as 10 million won. Mr. A also received 40 million won from one of the victims under the pretext of investing in the YouTube channel and then disappeared.

According to the police investigation, Mr. A lured merchants by claiming that 'KBS public recruitment comedians' and others appeared on his YouTube channel.

In fact, videos posted on Mr. A’s YouTube channel featured well-known comedians whose faces are widely recognized. However, no new videos have been uploaded since October 18 of last year.

Mr. A evaded the police investigation but was recently caught by the police after entering Jeju.

The police are investigating the detailed circumstances of the case, suspecting there may be additional victims.