Lee Jun-hee, known by his YouTube channel name Gujeyeok, talks to media before entering the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office for questioning on July 15, 2024. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jul. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — Arrest warrant hearings for two YouTubers suspected of blackmailing and extorting popular “mukbang” star Tzuyang will take place on Friday morning, according to sources on Wednesday.
The Suwon District Court, located south of Seoul, will hold the hearings at 10:30 a.m. for Lee Jun-hee and Jeon Kuk-jin, known by their YouTube channel names, Gujeyeok and Jujakgambeolsa, respectively.
The results of the hearing are expected to be released as early as later that day.
The city’s prosecution sought arrest warrants for the two the previous day on charges of blackmail, threats, and extortion against Tzuyang, whose real name is Park Jung-won. Park, who has more than 10 million subscribers, is known for her mukbang videos, a popular online trend where hosts consume large quantities of food while interacting with their audience.
The two YouTubers allegedly extorted 55 million won (US$39,700) from Tzuyang in February, threatening to disclose her past work history.
On July 10, YouTube channel Hoverlab broke the story that Tzuyang had been blackmailed by these men, with threats to expose her past employment at a bar.
The following day, Tzuyang revealed in a livestream video that she had endured years of assault and blackmail by her former boyfriend and that working at the bar was against her will.
Police have begun an investigation into the cyberbullying case following complaints filed against the suspects. Tzuyang has also filed separate complaints against several individuals who made threats.
(Yonhap)
