SUWON – A local court on Friday issued arrest warrants for two YouTubers charged with the blackmail and extortion of Tzuyang, a popular “mukbang” YouTube personality, underscoring serious legal repercussions for their alleged actions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, known online as Gujeyeok and Jujakgambeolsa, respectively, face charges of blackmail, threats, and extortion against Tzuyang, whose real name is Park Jung-won. The court emphasized the severity of the charges and the potential for further harm to the victim in its decision to issue the warrants. The YouTubers are accused of extorting 55 million won (approximately US$39,700) from Park, with threats of disclosing her past relationship and employment at a bar, which she claims was under duress from her former boyfriend.
The situation gained public attention earlier this month after the YouTube channel Hoverlab reported on the blackmail, leading to a swift response from law enforcement. The prosecution, acting on a complaint filed by Tzuyang against three YouTubers, has focused its investigation on Lee and Jeon, culminating in the recent legal actions. Park, who has amassed over 10 million subscribers, has spoken publicly about her ordeal, emphasizing the coercion from her ex-boyfriend as a factor in her past circumstances.