Seoul court orders YouTubers Gujeyeok and Jujak Gambyulsa to pay $52,000 to Tzuyang amidst high-profile blackmail case
The Seoul Central District Court ordered Gujeyeok to pay 75 million won ($52,000) and Jujak Gambyulsa a joint 50 million won after he threatened to expose Tzuyang’s personal life in exchange for money.
The blackmail scandal came to light when it was revealed that Gujeyeok and Jujak Gambyulsa had extorted Tzuyang for 55 million won ($38,000) under the threat of revealing private matters.
Tzuyang had originally demanded 100 million won from Gujeyeok and 50 million won from Jujak.
The court ruled that this constituted extortion and awarded damages for emotional distress. Gujeyeok received a three-year prison sentence, while Jujak Gambyulsa was given a suspended sentence with one year of probation.
YouTubers who make money by creating circumstances, such as making false claims against celebrities like Gujeyeok and Jujak, are called “cyberdisruptors.” Tzuyang began her mukbang career in 2018 to fund her appetite while she was stuck in an abusive relationship with an ex-boyfriend and her former manager who exploited her earnings and forced her to start the channel. She quickly rose to fame for her slim physique along with her binge-eating videos, reaching over 10 million subscribers by 2024. His content, especially mukbang, in which he eats large amounts of food in front of the camera, fascinated the audience with his combination of entertainment and relatability. Tzuyang also faced controversy, including accusations of cultural insensitivity, for which she publicly apologized in multiple languages.
Tzuyang’s channels continue to share a variety of mukbang-related videos, from traditional Korean dishes to high-calorie challenges, that have attracted the attention of millions around the world. Despite harassment and abuse, it remains a powerful presence, demonstrating the resilience and complexity of creative life under public scrutiny.
He also testified before the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee of South Korea’s National Assembly, highlighting that amid online harassment, cyber “lecca” content creators, especially those profiting from scandals and rumors, have failed to receive timely support from YouTube and other platforms.
