'Jjuyang Threat Allegation' Gujeokyeok Denies All Charges as Lies in First Trial

Demand for Citizen Participation Trials to Guarantee Right to Defense
Karakula Sends Lengthy Prison Letter to Tzuyang

YouTuber Gujaeyeok (real name Lee Junhee), who was indicted on charges including threatening YouTuber Jjuyang (real name Park Jungwon), denied all charges in his first trial.

According to Yonhap News on the 6th, "The Suwon District Court Criminal Division 14 (Judge Park Irang) held the first trial of Gujaeyeok, who was indicted on charges of threats, extortion, and coercion." The report covered the first trial of Gujaeyeok and other YouTubers. According to the report, in addition to Gujaeyeok, the trial also proceeded for YouTuber Jujakgambalsa (real name Jeon Gukjin), who is charged with extortion; YouTubers Karakula (real name Lee Sewook) and Crocodile (real name Choi Ilhwan), who are charged with aiding extortion; and lawyer Choi Mo, who is charged with threats. Karakula and Crocodile are accused of aiding Gujaeyeok and others by encouraging them with the intent that "it is more profitable to directly extort money rather than uploading videos exposing Jjuyang."

YouTuber Gujeyeok (real name Lee Junhee), who is accused of threatening and extorting money from mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jungwon), who has over 10 million subscribers, is entering the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office on the morning of the 26th to attend the pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant hearing) held at the Suwon District Court in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Gujaeyeok was indicted on charges of threatening Jjuyang around October 2021, with threats such as "I will upload a video claiming that you harass small business owners by filing excessive lawsuits." He is also accused of demanding in May last year, "If you do not want suspicions of tax evasion to be publicized, promote a restaurant owned by my acquaintance." Earlier in February of the same year, together with Jeon Gukjin, he allegedly threatened to publicize tax evasion suspicions unless paid, extorting 55 million won.

At the trial, Gujaeyeok's lawyer stated, "We deny all the charges." He also expressed a desire for a jury trial, adding, "If other defendants do not agree, we hope the case can be separated and approved." Gujaeyeok himself also denied all charges, consistent with his lawyer's position. After the trial, Gujaeyeok's lawyer told reporters, "All the charges in the indictment are lies," and added, "Although the defendant's guilt or innocence has not been determined, many reports treat the charges as if they are admitted, resulting in a trial by public opinion. To protect the right to defense, a jury trial is necessary."

YouTubers Gujeyeok, Jeon Gukjin, and Karakula, who were indicted on charges including threatening YouTuber Tzyang (real name Park Jungwon)

Karakula's side also stated, "We deny the charges of aiding extortion related to Jjuyang," and Crocodile's side denied the charges as well. Jujakgambalsa's side said, "We have not seen the evidence records yet and will express our opinion at the next hearing." Notably, Karakula sent a lengthy handwritten letter from prison appealing for leniency to Jjuyang.

The five-page letter handwritten by Karakula was obtained by YTN through a Jjuyang associate and partially disclosed. In the letter, Karakula cautiously introduced himself, saying, "My name is Lee Sewook, and I was active on YouTube under the name Karakula." He expressed deep regret over the charge of aiding extortion against Jungwon and offered comfort regarding Jjuyang's painful story and difficult times, appealing for leniency.