YouTuber Spreading False Rumors of 'Lower-Body Corpses in Korea' Suddenly Declares Plan to Naturalize in Japan

A YouTuber under police investigation for spreading fake news that massive amounts of mutilated bodies were discovered in South Korea has announced plans to pursue naturalization in Japan.

Cho, a 33-year-old operator of a channel with 950,000 subscribers, recently stated through his YouTube video, "I will renounce my South Korean citizenship and naturalize in Japan."

Cho said, "I wanted to become a Japanese citizen starting seven years ago, but postponed it due to my relationship with my family," adding, "I have decided that the time has now come."

However, Cho acknowledged that the ongoing criminal case against him could impact the naturalization screening.

Cho stated, "Since the Japanese naturalization screening also checks criminal records, if the case currently under investigation leads to a trial and a final guilty verdict, there is a possibility that I will not receive naturalization approval."

Previously, Cho was accused of broadcasting false information as if it were true last October, claiming that "37 bodies with only the lower half found have surfaced in South Korea" and that "the number of missing persons reaches 80,000."

Viewing the fake news as having a severe negative impact on national security and image, the police forwarded Cho to the prosecutors without detention last February on charges of violating the Framework Act on Telecommunications.

The police also applied for a pre-indictment asset preservation order regarding 3.5 million won in advertising revenue earned through the video.

In response, Cho has reportedly denied the charges, stating, "I only introduced information posted on the internet and have never spread fake news."

(Reported by Lee Hyeon-yeong | Video by Lee Da-in | Design by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.