Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Who Exposed Another YouTuber's Sexual Crime, Ultimately Fined 3 Million Won

"Claimed to Align with Public Interest" but Court Did Not Accept

YouTuber Gujeokyeok (real name Lee Junhee), who was arrested and indicted on charges of extorting tens of millions of won by threatening famous YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jungwon), was fined in the first trial after revealing another YouTuber's sexual crime record.

According to Yonhap News on the 10th, Judge Gong Hyunjin of the Suwon District Court Criminal Division 5 sentenced Lee to a fine of 3 million won on charges of defamation under the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection. Lee is accused of publicly revealing facts three times on his YouTube channel from August to October 2020 with the intent to defame another YouTuber.

Foot-and-mouth disease

At that time, he posted videos stating, "YouTuber A was a criminal sentenced to three years for a sexual crime," and "The criminal I found was named OOO, height △△, living in □□□," according to the investigation.

Lee's side argued that "the broadcast content was factual and not used for profit, and the victim had interactions with women at the business he operated, thus it was in the public interest and there was no intent to defame." However, the court did not accept this, stating that "there is suspicion of intent to defame." Gujeokyeok did not appear at the sentencing hearing.

Separately, Lee was arrested and indicted on charges including extorting tens of millions of won by threatening YouTuber Tzuyang, who has over 10 million subscribers. Prosecutors found that in February 2023, he threatened Tzuyang by saying, "I have received a tip about your tax evasion and private life. If you pay money, I will not publicize it," and extorted 55 million won. He denies all charges and has requested a jury trial.

YouTuber Tzuyang, known for answering questions, suspected of foot-and-mouth disease threats
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, YouTuber Tzuyang (27, Park Jungwon) showcased a 'mukbang' after three months. On the 8th, she conducted a live broadcast on her YouTube channel titled "Simple Ramen Mukbang." Earlier, on the 4th during a live broadcast, she said, "(The cyber stalker extortion case) is still being resolved," adding, "The police are investigating. There are rumors going around, but I have explained everything and will fight back. I will work hard so that no one like me will appear again."

In July, Tzuyang confessed to being subjected to four years of assault, threats, and extortion by her ex-boyfriend A. It is known that she did not receive at least 4 billion won in unfair contracts and settlements with A. She was also threatened by a cyber stalker who said they would expose her past. YouTubers Gujeokyeok, Jujak Gambyeolsa, Karakula, Crocodile, and Choi (A's lawyer) have been indicted and are on trial for demanding money from and aiding Tzuyang.