Appellate Court Increases Compensation to 80 Million Won for YouTuber Tzuyang in Extortion Case Against 'Goo Je-yeok'

The amount of compensation that Goo Je-yeok (real name Lee Joon-hee), who was sentenced to prison for extorting mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jung-won), must pay has been increased to 80 million won in the appellate trial.

On July 21, the 12-3 Civil Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judges Cho Hyu-ok, Seong Ji-ho, and Kim Hyun-mi) ruled partially in favor of the plaintiff in a damages suit filed by Tzuyang against Goo, ordering him to pay 80 million won, an increase of 5 million won from the first trial.

The court explained, "Tzuyang expanded the scope of her claims during the appellate trial, and since parts of those claims were accepted, the compensation amount was increased from 75 million won to 80 million won."

However, the court added that among the additional claims made during the appeal, it did not recognize liability for damages related to the video containing threats against Tzuyang.

In September 2024, Tzuyang filed a civil lawsuit claiming she suffered mental distress due to extortion by Goo Je-yeok and Jujak Gambyeolsa (real name Jeon Guk-jin).

She sought 100 million won in damages from Goo Je-yeok and 50 million won from Jujak Gambyeolsa.

In February 2023, the two individuals threatened Tzuyang, stating, "We have received tips regarding tax evasion and private life issues. If you pay us, we will not make this public." They were arrested and indicted in August of the same year on charges of extorting 55 million won from her.

The first trial ruled that Goo Je-yeok should pay 75 million won to Tzuyang, and that Jujak Gambyeolsa should pay 50 million won jointly with Goo.

As Jujak Gambyeolsa did not appeal, the first trial's ruling regarding him was finalized, while the appellate trial proceeded following appeals from both Tzuyang and Goo Je-yeok.

Meanwhile, Goo Je-yeok was sentenced to three years in prison in both the first and second instances of his related criminal trial, and the Supreme Court upheld the sentence this past March.

Goo had filed a constitutional complaint claiming a violation of the principle of due process, but the Constitutional Court dismissed the case.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.