Social media sensation Gu Je Yeok and prominent lawyer Choi have been handed down sentences and have been taken into custody for their involvement in blackmail and extortion cases against popular mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang, with over 10 million devoted followers.
In a landmark ruling on February 20th, the Suwon District Court's Criminal Division 14, led by Judge Park Yi Rang, delivered justice against five individuals - Gu Je Yeok, lawyer Choi, and fellow YouTubers Jujak Gambyeolsa, Caracula, and Crocodile, charged with serious offenses including blackmail.
The court sentenced Gu Je Yeok to three years behind bars, while lawyer Choi received a two-year sentence. Jujak Gambyeolsa was handed a one-year prison term, which was suspended for three years, alongside 160 hours of community service. Caracula also received a one-year prison sentence suspended for three years, coupled with 240 hours of community service. Additionally, Crocodile faced a 5 million KRW fine (~3,487 USD).
Judge Park highlighted the lack of remorse displayed by the defendants, particularly emphasizing Gu Je Yeok's blatant disregard for the law. The judge condemned Choi for breaching professional ethics as a lawyer and journalist, stressing the seriousness of his actions in leaking confidential information related to Tzuyang.
The crimes unfolded when Gu Je Yeok extorted a substantial sum from Tzuyang, threatening to expose damaging allegations against her in October 2021. Subsequent investigations revealed the involvement of Jujak Gambyeolsa, Crocodile, and Caracula in Gu Je Yeok's illicit activities, as they colluded in sharing confidential information about Tzuyang.
Lawyer Choi also faced allegations of blackmail by leveraging incriminating details from Tzuyang's past, extorting a hefty amount under the guise of providing media consultation services. The sinister plot further unraveled as Choi was accused of orchestrating a fake will, deceiving many and implicating Tzuyang’s late ex-boyfriend and former agency CEO in the scandal.
Prosecutors had initially sought severe penalties against the culprits, underlining the gravity of their offenses. The ruling serves justice to those who sought to exploit and harm others for personal gain, sending a clear message that such reprehensible actions will not go unpunished.
The thrilling unraveling of this high-profile case has gripped social media, underscoring the importance of ethical conduct and accountability in the digital age. Justice has prevailed, and those who sow deceit and malice have faced the consequences of their actions, a cautionary tale for all in the virtual realm.