The prosecution has requested the appellate court to impose a 4-year prison sentence on Yu Byeok, who was sentenced to 3 years in prison in the first trial for extorting tens of millions of won from Mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jeong-won) through threats.
During the appeal trial held on the 22nd at the Suwon District Court's Criminal Appeal Division 3-3 (Judges Kim Eun-kyo, Jo Soon-pyo, Kim Tae-hwan), the prosecution stated, "The defendant has completely denied the charges during the investigation, the first trial, and the appeal trial, and has committed secondary harm by falsely accusing the victim, raising doubts about whether he is genuinely remorseful," and made this demand.
Gyujaeok's lawyer argued, "The defendant did not threaten Tzuyang by directly meeting him and demanding money," claiming innocence.
The lawyer stated, "This case was triggered by a third party with ill feelings towards the defendant, who reported fabricated information with manipulated dates, leading to another YouTuber's involvement," and added, "It is not easy to judge someone who has already been condemned by public opinion, but if the court does not make an accurate judgment, the truth of this case will be buried."
In his final statement, Gyujaeok appealed, "Even if Your Honor finds me guilty contrary to my lawyer's judgment, please allow me to compensate the victim for the damages caused."
On the same day, the prosecution also demanded a 3-year prison sentence for YouTuber Jujakgambeolsa (real name Jeon Guk-jin), who was indicted on charges of extortion, and sought the same sentences of 2 years and 1 year in prison for Karakula (real name Lee Se-wook) and Crocodile (real name Choi Il-hwan), who are charged with aiding and abetting extortion.
For lawyer Choi, who was indicted for threatening Tzuyang, the prosecution requested the court to impose the original sentence of 5 years in prison.
Previously, the first trial sentenced Jujakgambeolsa and Karakula to 1 year in prison with a 3-year probation, and imposed a fine of 5 million won on Crocodile. Lawyer Choi was sentenced to 2 years in prison.
The ruling on the appeal for Gyujaeok and others is set for September 5.
