Prosecutors in South Korea are seeking arrest warrants for YouTubers Lee Jun-hee, known online as GooJeYeok, and Jeon Gukjin in connection with an extortion case involving fellow YouTuber Park Jung-won, who is known as Tzuyang. The Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office filed a request with the Suwon District Court on Tuesday, accusing Lee and Jeon of extortion. Lee faces additional charges of blackmail and coercion, while Jeon is implicated for his alleged role in the extortion scheme. The request follows an investigation that included a search and seizure operation, as well as questioning of the suspects.
The case gained public attention on July 10 when HoverLab Inc., a YouTube channel, released a voice recording of a phone conversation between Lee and Jeon. In the recording, Lee claimed he had been paid 55 million won ($39,764.9) by Park to keep quiet about her past. Following this revelation, Tzuyang disclosed in a livestream that she had been physically assaulted and threatened by her former boyfriend, who had also threatened to release illegal videos of her. Lee and Jeon were officially reported to the authorities by Park on July 15.
The controversy has prompted Prosecutor General Lee One-seok to direct a thorough review of the case, emphasizing the need to confiscate criminal proceeds and seek severe penalties. Lee stressed the severe impact of cybercrimes, including false accusations and coercion, on victims. The Suwon District Court is scheduled to hold hearings on Friday to decide on the issuance of the arrest warrants for Lee and Jeon.
The case against Lee and Jeon has sparked widespread concern about cyber extortion and its impact on online communities, especially among Korean influencers and YouTubers like Tzuyang and GooJeYeok. As the investigation continues, it highlights the growing issue of “cyber-wreckers”—individuals who exploit their online platforms for financial gain through harmful and illegal activities. The public’s reaction underscores a broader call for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect individuals from such malicious behavior.
Additionally, the controversy has intensified discussions about the need for comprehensive legal measures to address digital harassment and extortion. With high-profile cases like this drawing attention, there is increasing pressure on lawmakers and law enforcement to implement more robust protections for victims and ensure that perpetrators face appropriate consequences. As the judicial process unfolds, the case will likely serve as a significant benchmark for addressing cybercrime in the evolving digital landscape.
