A lawyer accused of blackmailing the popular mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jung-won) and extorting money has been arrested.
On the 19th, Judge Son Chul of the Suwon District Court, who is in charge of warrants, issued an arrest warrant for lawyer Choi following a pre-arrest questioning, stating that "the allegations confirmed are serious."
Additionally, he is suspected of providing Tzuyang’s personal information to a cyber extortion group, including the YouTuber Gujeokyeok (real name Lee Jun-hee), who has been charged with blackmail and intimidation.
Prosecutors believe that Tzuyang, fearing the exposure of her past, paid Choi under the guise of a consultancy contract.
This case began when Tzuyang's side filed charges against lawyer Choi on the 25th of last month for blackmail and breach of confidentiality.
along with YouTuber Karakyulla (real name Lee Se-wook), but the court dismissed it, stating that "there is room for dispute over the criminal acts, and the risk of evidence tampering is low."
However, prosecutors supplemented their investigation and added charges of violating the Personal Information Protection Act and breach of confidentiality, reapplying for a pre-arrest warrant for lawyer Choi on the 14th of this month, which was subsequently granted.
Meanwhile, in connection with this case, YouTubers Gujeokyeok and Jujakgambyulsa (real name Jeon Guk-jin) have been indicted and detained on charges of blackmail, while Karakyulla (detained) and Crocodile (real name Choi Il-hwan, not detained) have also been brought to trial on charges of aiding and abetting blackmail.
This case has garnered significant public attention due to the involvement of a famous influencer and the alleged blackmail, extortion, and involvement of legal professionals. It has also highlighted the serious issues of personal information leaks and cybercrime, with many closely watching the trial to see what additional facts will come to light.