Kim Se Ui, head of the infamous YouTube channel Hoverlab (Garo Sero Research Institute), has been referred to prosecutors on charges including defamation and intimidation in connection with broadcasts targeting mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jung Won).
On September 9, Seoul Gangnam Police announced that Kim had been sent to the prosecution without detention on charges of defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, intimidation, and violating the Anti-Stalking Act.
In July of last year, Kim disclosed a recording without Park’s consent in which Park reportedly said she had been threatened by fellow YouTuber Gu Jae Yeok (real name Lee Jun Hee) and others. The recording also contained references to Park’s past work at an adult entertainment venue, and suggested that Lee had used this information to blackmail her.
Although Park later explained that she had worked at such an establishment because of physical abuse and coercion from an ex-boyfriend, Kim Se Ui continued broadcasting claims that her explanation was untrue.
Park subsequently filed a complaint against Kim with Gangnam Police, accusing him of stalking and intimidation. At first, in February, police declined to forward the case, citing insufficient evidence. However, Park’s side filed an appeal with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, which then ordered a supplementary investigation.
In April, Park’s representatives also protested what they saw as a lack of investigative will, even refusing to participate in police questioning. Gangnam Police eventually reassigned the case to a new team, which concluded that there was sufficient basis for the charges against Kim.
Tzuyang is one of South Korea’s most prominent mukbang creators, with more than 12 million subscribers on YouTube. She gained popularity with a wide range of eating content, from casual everyday meals to extreme food challenges, especially drawing attention for consuming enormous amounts of food.
SEE ALSO: Mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang addresses pet abandonment rumors: “The cats are at my parents’ house”
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