YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jung-won) appeared before the National Assembly on October 14, revealing the emotional trauma she suffered as a victim of so-called “cyber wreckers,” creators who spread false or exploitative content of public figures for profit.
Speaking at the parliamentary audit of the Committee on Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications held in Yeouido, Seoul, the popular mukbang YouTuber confessed that the attacks have left her paralyzed with fear.
“At the time I was so scared and hopeless that I couldn’t do anything,” he said. “For years I endured threats and blackmail. As a woman, there were things I didn’t want to reveal publicly, which made it even more difficult.”
Tzuyang explained that malicious videos exposing his private life, many of which contained false or distorted statements, spread quickly on YouTube.
“I was terrified of their retaliation, so I couldn’t respond or even file a lawsuit. With the help of the people around me, I slowly started to fight back. I realized that these are things we need to face, not run away from,” he said.
When asked if she had sought help from YouTube, Tzuyang said she followed the platform’s reporting process but found it ineffective.
“I contacted YouTube officials and used the report button, but the response was slow. The videos spread by the hundreds of thousands before removal, making it nearly impossible to clear up misunderstandings. Some videos remained posted for weeks, others were never posted,” he explained.
He also shared how expensive and exhausting legal action can be: “I have been lucky enough to receive public support, but most victims cannot afford it. They have to continue working while covering legal and medical expenses. The most difficult thing is the secondary damage and public judgment.”
Tzuyang’s lawyer, Kim Tae-yeon, who attended with her, said that current laws – such as those under the Information and Communications Network Act – are inadequate to deter such crimes.
“Defamation under the ICT Act carries up to seven years in prison, but the creators treat it as a misdemeanor. They only care about advertising revenue and Super Chat profits. The money they earn from exploiting celebrities often exceeds the fines they pay,” Kim Tae-yeon said.
He added: “Without stronger, enforceable laws to stop monetary harassment, the punishment cannot match the crime.”
Despite the trauma, Tzuyang expressed hope that her testimony could inspire better systems for future victims.
“I have suffered so many false rumors that I think a stronger law could help. But I also fear that even good laws can be misused,” he said. “I came here not as a celebrity, but as someone who hopes no one else goes through what I went through.”
He also appealed directly to online users: “When you leave a comment, remember that the person you’re writing about has feelings too. Some people can’t survive what others consider mere words.”
In July 2023, Tzuyang revealed that her former agency CEO, as well as her ex-boyfriend, had conspired with others to blackmail her, paying over ₩216 million KRW (≈$160,000) to prevent personal information from being disclosed.
Following a high-profile investigation, several perpetrators were convicted:
- Goo yes, yes (YouTuber “Gu Ja-ryeok”) — 3 years in prison
- “Fake Detector” – 1 year in prison, 3 years probation
- “Caracula” – 1 year in prison, 3 years probation, 240 hours community service
- “Crocodile” – fined ₩5 million
Two women who blackmailed Tzuyang between 2021 and 2022 were also convicted, receiving suspended prison sentences for extortion totaling more than ₩216 million KRW, with one also charged for a further failed blackmail attempt in 2023.
Tzuyang’s courage to speak publicly at the National Assembly has reignited the debate on the responsibility of online platforms and the limits of free speech in digital media.
Her testimony received praise from lawmakers and citizens, positioning her as a symbol of resilience against the growing problem of cyber exploitation in South Korea.
Sources: Daum
