"Korea Is Dangerous, Escape"... Anti-Korea YouTuber Changes Tune as Police Launch Investigation

"Not intended to damage Korea's image"
"All problematic videos will be deleted"

"This is an emergency. Japanese people living in Korea, escape to Japan now."

A Korean YouTuber active in Japan has repeatedly posted videos distorting Korea's public safety and social conditions, prompting the police to launch an investigation. Although the YouTuber is now under police investigation for problematic statements, he maintains, "I did not maliciously spread fake news."

Korean YouTuber A, who has 960,000 subscribers, posted a video on his channel on the 22nd of last month claiming that "the problem of murder and organ trafficking by Chinese criminals who recently entered Korea without a visa is severe." A's YouTube channel

Claimed "37 bodies found"... The only evidence was an 'anonymous comment'

Previously, Korean YouTuber A, who has 960,000 subscribers, sparked controversy by posting a video on his channel on the 22nd of last month, claiming that "the issue of murder and organ trafficking by Chinese criminals who recently entered Korea without a visa is severe." In another video, this YouTuber warned, "Japanese people living in Korea should return home immediately. Never go out alone at night," and added, "There has been a surge in kidnapping cases."

A claimed, "There have been 37 cases in Korea where only the lower half of the body was found, and there are 150 cases under confidential investigation, totaling 187 cases." He further argued, "Since visa-free entry became possible, millions of Chinese people have entered Korea, leading to the collapse of Korea's public safety." The only 'evidence' A provided was a single anonymous online comment. The entire basis was a post by a user claiming to be a 'current prosecutor,' with no verification of identity or facts conducted at all.

"No malicious intent"... Belated clarification

Later, on the 5th, A posted a video titled "I'm going to be investigated by the Korean police," explaining, "Because all Korean media are hiding this, I introduced it simply to say, 'There is information like this as well,'" and added, "I did not maliciously spread fake news to damage Korea's image."

He reiterated, "I was just showing evidence that public safety has deteriorated and crime has increased since Chinese people were allowed to enter Korea without a visa." However, he also stated, "For now, I will delete all videos that could cause issues related to Korea. I will also remove any videos that could be problematic, such as those criticizing specific individuals."

Police: "Regarded as a serious crime harming national interests"

The police announced that the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Cyber Investigation Unit had promptly launched an investigation into this YouTuber. Regarding the YouTuber's actions, the police said, "We regard this as a serious crime," and added, "We will accurately determine the facts and take action in accordance with relevant laws."

The police determined that the YouTuber spread false and manipulated information, causing public anxiety, social disorder, and damaging the country's image. They also viewed it as an act detrimental to national interests, as it could negatively affect foreign visits and investments in Korea.

In fact, on X (formerly Twitter) in Japan, fake news based on A's claims was posted and viewed more than 23 million times. The posts included safety guidelines for traveling in Korea, such as "Do not go out alone," "Avoid places with few people," and "Run away immediately if a suspicious vehicle approaches." There were also a series of posts saying, "I will cancel my trip to Korea." The police plan to verify the YouTuber's nationality and whereabouts and are considering applying charges under the Framework Act on Telecommunications.