There are suspicions surrounding the leaked past of tzuyang (ツヤン), a popular competitive eater YouTuber with over 10.2 million subscribers, as lawyer Mr. Chae stated, “There is no fact that I have violated the law.”
Mr. Chae, the former lover and legal representative of tzuyang’s agency, posted a lengthy statement on his blog on the 22nd, saying, “Regardless of the reason, I feel sorry. There are many parts that differ from the facts.”
He expressed his feelings regarding the current situation, stating, “I cannot disclose specific details, but it seems that events from the past four years are being recognized as public facts based on two phone calls regarding me, and I feel bitterness about it.”
He continued, “I think I will try to live humbly. I will engage in legal aid activities for those in legal blind spots and offer free legal consultations. My office is always open, so I hope people will contact me and come. I will serve warm coffee and help those in difficult situations.”
Additionally, he mentioned through comments, “You should not view the incident in fragments. There is no fact that I have violated the law,” and expressed regret, saying, “Looking back, I regret getting involved with so-called cyber wreckers (a term for YouTubers who deal with gossip and sensationalism for views and profit). At that time, I thought the wreckers were doing some proper reporting and public service activities. I never imagined that they would extort money using materials.”
Regarding the central figure of the intimidation incident, the wrecker YouTuber Koo Jae-yuk, he stated, “I am still angry that tax evasion is worthy of public reporting, yet they took money for it. I thought it was because there was no reporting material or broadcast, which made it impossible to conduct interviews,” and added, “Please do not associate me with Koo Jae-yuk. If there is no reason for public discussion, they should stop interviewing, but to act in such a way is very disappointing.”
He said, “I have received tremendous criticism in these past few days. I would like to be forgiven for my mistakes, including issues like my drinking habits,” and added, “If there is a need for a statement of position in the future, I will reveal it through my blog.”
Previously, it became clear that some cyber wrecker YouTubers had threatened tzuyang and extorted money using her past, causing a ripple effect. Mr. Chae has been identified as the person who provided those YouTubers with information about her past and has found himself at the center of the controversy. In response, the Korean Bar Association announced that it would revoke the Excellent Journalist Award awarded to Mr. Chae in February of this year, and they plan to initiate an investigation and disciplinary procedures.
・Popular competitive eater tzuyang shocked by the revelation that a threatened YouTuber was provided with information by her “former boyfriend’s lawyer.”
・Korean popular competitive eater YouTuber tzuyang suffered from threats and assaults for four years from her former lover and “was also extorted” (video available)
