Tzuyang refused to comply with the investigation and left after 30 minutes, questioning whether it was a fair investigation.

Tzuyang (real name Park Jung-won), the ’10 million YouTuber’ who accused Kim Se-eui, head of the Garosero Institute, of threats and other charges, answers questions from reporters upon appearing for an investigation at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, Gangnam-gu, on the 16th. The police decided not to forward the case against Kim, but the prosecution requested additional investigation. The Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office accepted Park’s appeal last month on the 14th and asked the Gangnam Police Station to further investigate Kim’s case. [Yonhap]

‘[Herald Economy=Park Ji-young Reporter] “I will do my best in the investigation to prevent more people like me from appearing and to stop the harassment of those around me.”‘

On the morning of the 16th, at around 9 a.m., Tzuyang (real name Park Jung-won), a YouTuber with 10 million subscribers, appeared at the Gangnam Police Station but refused the police investigation and left the station after 30 minutes.

Kim Tae-yeon, Tzuyang’s legal representative, explained the reason for the rejection of the investigation, stating, “It seemed that the police did not consider Tzuyang a victim at all and did not intend to protect her. There was a situation where we could not help but doubt whether it was a fair investigation, so we are reviewing the police investigation and will seek further investigation if necessary.”

Previously, Tzuyang filed a lawsuit against Kim Se-eui, head of the Garosero Institute, for defamation, threats, and coercion, but the police decided not to refer the case. Tzuyang then opposed the non-referral decision and filed an appeal, leading the prosecution to request additional investigation from Gangnam Police Station, prompting her appearance at the police station.

Tzuyang (left) and Kim Se-eui (right) [YouTube Tzuyang·Garosero Institute]

Tzuyang expressed her difficulties in accepting the police decision not to forward the case involving defamation by Kim. She stated, “It was hard to accept the non-forwarding decision against someone who raised suspicions with false information and harassed people around me. I wanted to provide sufficient clarification on those parts and have come to speak thoroughly so that better results can be achieved.”

The police had previously decided not to refer charges of violating the Information and Communications Network Act and threats due to lack of evidence, and dismissed allegations of violating the Stalking Punishment Act in February.

Regarding this, attorney Kim Tae-yeon stated, “Although it has not been disclosed to the media, we received two provisional injunction decisions declaring the accused (Kim Se-eui) as a stalker, with orders to stop stalking crimes against Tzuyang, indicating continuous harassment from July to October last year through mentions of Tzuyang in about 30 to 40 instances.”

According to the objection Tzuyang submitted to the police, Kim had allegedly involved other YouTubers in discussions on how to demand money following obtaining information about her personal life. Kim allegedly released these recordings without consent and threatened to expose Tzuyang, refuting her denials of working in an adult entertainment facility due to coercion and violence from a former boyfriend as untruthful.

The police’s decision not to refer the case, citing the withdrawal of the lawsuit as one of the reasons, was also contested by Tzuyang’s side. Attorney Kim Tae-yeon explained, “The case was initially submitted to the Suwon District Prosecutor’s Office and assigned to Bucheon Ojeong Police Station. However, due to the substantial damages Tzuyang suffered, an urgent filing was made with Seocho Police Station, which was thought to have jurisdiction, and the Ojeong Police Station case was withdrawn.”

When asked about the necessary measures against widespread online harassment, Tzuyang conveyed, “It was hard to endure personal harassment, but I was especially upset and angry when those around me were targeted. Although the investigation itself is difficult and provokes fear of further harassment, I am determined to engage sincerely in the investigation to prevent more victims like myself.”