Korean authorities have launched a formal investigation into a YouTuber named Debo-chan for spreading false information about dismembered bodies discovered across South Korea.
The Cyber Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced the investigation on November 5, after the National Police Agency issued an official press release the same day.
Debo-chan work a YouTube channel with approximately 960,000 subscribers and is based in Japan. The investigation centers on a video uploaded on October 22 titled “The problem of murders and organ trafficking committed by criminal Chinese citizens who recently entered Korea without visas is becoming serious.”
In the video, Debo-chan made several unverified claims, saying that 37 bodies missing their lower halves had been found in South Korea and that another 150 cases were under confidential investigation. These claims have no basis and contradict verified information from the South Korean authorities.
The video quickly circulated in Japanese online communities and social media platforms, generating public alarm about the safety conditions in South Korea. Since the video spread, numerous posts have emerged claiming that public safety has significantly worsened and warning people against traveling to the country. The false information also appeared on various online platforms aimed at the Japanese public.
Police officers called the behavior a serious crime, noting that the spread of false information had created public anxiety, social confusion and damaged South Korea’s international reputation. Authorities expressed concern that the spread of the video could negatively impact foreign visitors’ decisions to travel to Korea and discourage international investment in the country.
After the police action, Debo-chan loaded an explanatory video on his channel on November 5th. It said it only shared comments made by Korean users about incidents that appeared in the news, rather than fabricating information with malicious intent. He said he wanted to present diverse perspectives, but acknowledged that the material had become a problem for South Korea, prompting him to decide to delete all Korea-related videos, including those critical of the country.
The police department is currently working to confirm Debo-chan’s nationality and location by requesting YouTube’s cooperation. Authorities are considering charges under the Telecommunications Framework Law, which prohibits the spread of false information via electronic communications networks. Investigations continue as police verify the facts surrounding the case.
