YouTuber Gu Jeyuk sentenced to 4 years in prison for extortion charges in appeal trial

The prosecution has sought a prison sentence of 4 years for YouTuber Gu Jeyuk, who was charged with extorting 55 million won from Mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang through threats.

This is a higher sentence than the 3 years imposed in the first trial, with the prosecution citing the defendant's lack of remorse as the main reason.

During the appeal trial held on the 22nd at the Suwon District Court's Criminal Appeal Division 3-3 (Presiding Judges Kim Eun-kyo, Jo Soon-pyo, and Kim Tae-hwan), the prosecution maintained the original sentence of 4 years, stating, "The defendant has completely denied the charges during the investigation, first trial, and appeal trial, and has further victimized the complainant by filing a false accusation, casting doubt on whether he truly regrets his actions."

Conversely, Gu Jeyuk's legal representative claimed, "The defendant did not threaten Tzuyang directly by demanding money," asserting his innocence. The defense explained that this case was triggered by a third party who held animosity toward the defendant, providing fabricated information with manipulated dates.

Backdrop of the YouTuber extortion case and involved individuals

This case revolves around an extortion incident targeting the popular Mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang, who has 10 million subscribers. Gu Jeyuk and Jujakgambeolsa (real name Jeon Guk-jin) were arrested and charged last August for allegedly extorting 55 million won from Tzuyang by threatening, "We have received a tip-off regarding your tax evasion and personal life. If you pay us, we will not publicize this information."

The prosecution also requested a 3-year prison sentence for Jujakgambeolsa, who was jointly indicted. Additionally, they sought sentences of 2 years and 1 year in prison for Karakula (real name Lee Se-wook) and Crocodile (real name Choi Il-hwan), respectively, who are accused of aiding and abetting the extortion.

They are alleged to have advised Gu Jeyuk that it would be more profitable to directly extort money than to post a revealing video about Tzuyang.

In the first trial, Karakula and Jujakgambeolsa were sentenced to 1 year in prison with a 3-year suspended sentence, while Crocodile received a fine of 5 million won.

Attorney Choi Mo is also involved in this case. The prosecution has requested a 5-year prison sentence for him as well, the same sentence sought in the first trial.

Attorney Choi was the legal representative for the defendants in a civil lawsuit filed by Tzuyang's ex-boyfriend and former agency representative, Mr. A, against a restaurant in October 2021. It has been investigated that he provided Gu Jeyuk with personal information related to Tzuyang and Mr. A's cohabitation before marriage, which he learned during the lawsuit process.

During his final statement, Gu Jeyuk pleaded, "Even if Your Honor finds me guilty contrary to my attorney's judgment, I ask that I be allowed to repay the damages caused to the victim."

The appellate court's ruling regarding Gu Jeyuk and others is scheduled for September 5.

Image source: YouTuber 'Tzuyang' / News1, YouTuber 'Gu Jeyuk' / News1