On August 20, the Seoul Central District Court delivered its verdict in the blackmail case against two women who extorted money from popular YouTuber Tzuyang.
The court sentenced Song (20s) to two years in prison, suspended for four years, and Kim (30s) to one year and six months in prison, suspended for four years. Both were also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and placed under probation. Additionally, they are prohibited from contacting Tzuyang or approaching her residence or workplace.
Between June 2021 and November 2022, the two threatened to expose Tzuyang’s past work at an entertainment establishment unless she paid them. Over this period, they extorted approximately ₩2.16 billion (about $1.6 million USD).
In 2023, Song attempted to demand an additional ₩15 million but failed.
The presiding judge noted:
“The crime continued for a long period, and the amount extorted was very large, making the offense serious. However, the defendants admitted their guilt, apologized, and compensated the victim with an amount exceeding the extorted sum. Considering that this was their first offense, the sentences are suspended.”
Last year, Tzuyang revealed she had been a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, confinement, and extortion by her ex-boyfriend. She also claimed she faced intimidation from so-called “cyber wreckers”, online figures who exploit scandals for views.
She filed lawsuits against cyber wrecker figures, as well as against Kim and Song, who had blackmailed her under the pretense of keeping her past hidden.
Both women expressed remorse in court, saying they lacked awareness of the gravity of their actions: “We deeply regret our lack of guilt and now realize how much pain we caused the victim.”
Despite their apologies, the case highlights the darker side of fame and the continued targeting of high-profile online creators like Tzuyang.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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