As a YouTube video surfaced claiming that a tourist was forced to make purchases and held captive while traveling in the Ulleung region of Gyeongsangbuk-do, prompting a police report, Ulleung County has dismissed the claims as false and is considering taking legal action.

According to Ulleung County on October 29, the county explained in an official statement posted on its website that a video was recently uploaded to YouTube alleging that during a package tour of Ulleungdo, travelers were subjected to forced purchases, confinement, and intimidation, and that they had to report the incident to the police and the Korea Coast Guard.

The county stated that upon checking with the relevant authorities, it was confirmed that no such reports had actually been filed.

The county plans to pursue legal action against the spread of false information that defames local businesses and residents while instigating anxiety among tourists, emphasizing that the sharing and spreading of unverified content must be stopped.

Earlier on October 23, a YouTuber uploaded a video claiming that a tour guide drove 30 passengers into a warehouse, locked it with a padlock, and threatened to withhold ferry tickets unless they paid 300,000 won per person, adding that they were only released after reporting the incident to the police and the coast guard.

Ulleung County noted that the video did not contain any photos or footage to substantiate the claims.

An official from Ulleung County added that such videos can cause severe damage to the region's image, and that the county is reviewing plans to request an investigation by law enforcement agencies.

(Photo: Capture from Ulleung County website, Yonhap News)