After going public about being abused by her ex-boyfriend, who also threatened to leak explicit videos of her, and filing a lawsuit against YouTubers for extortion, Tzuyang has mostly stayed at home and lost weight.
In an interview with YTN on September 13, Tzuyang’s legal representative, attorney Kim Tae Yeon, shared an update on her current state. According to Kim, the Korean “mukbang” star has largely remained inside her home and refused psychological counseling.
“Tzuyang was advised to seek counseling following the abuse from her ex-boyfriend, but she declined and has spent most of her time at home. She used to love eating, always snacking whenever I saw her. However, recently she has lost her appetite and shed around 2-3 kg,” the lawyer shared.
Kim added that Tzuyang deeply appreciates the support and encouragement from her fans during this difficult period.
Following this update, fans flooded her social media and online communities to express their continued support.
- “Stay strong, please remember to eat. I hope you find happiness soon. It might feel like a long, dark tunnel, but there are so many people walking through it with you. Let’s make it to the end together.”
- “You need to eat to stay strong and fight through this.”
At the start of July, Tzuyang shocked many when she revealed she had been abused by her ex-boyfriend, who had secretly filmed and threatened to release explicit footage of her. She also stated he forced her to work as a bar hostess. Her ex-boyfriend, who was also her manager at the time, exploited her financially and sexually, extorting over 4 billion won (approximately $2.9 million) over four years.
After enduring four years of torment, Tzuyang finally reported him to the authorities. However, the case was closed after her ex-boyfriend took his own life during the police investigation. Tzuyang disclosed this painful story after several YouTubers threatened and blackmailed her.
On July 26, the court issued arrest warrants for YouTubers Lee Jun-hee and Jeon Kuk-jin, known by their channel names Gujeyeok and Jujakgambeolsa, respectively. The two men were charged with extortion, threats, and coercion, having demanded 55 million won (around $39,700) from Tzuyang in February in exchange for keeping her past with her ex-boyfriend a secret.
Tzuyang, whose real name is Park Jeong Hyeon, born in 1996, is one of South Korea’s top mukbang YouTubers, boasting over 10 million followers. According to a Gallup Korea survey conducted from March 22 to April 5, she ranked as the most popular YouTuber with 5.2% of the votes.
