Mukbang Star Tzuyang Stands Up Against Online Harassment: Legal Battle with Controversial YouTuber
South Korea’s top mukbang YouTuber, Tzuyang (real name Park Jung-won), has stepped into the legal spotlight as she appeared at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul on April 16 to follow up on her complaint against YouTube content creator and controversial figure, Kim Se-ui, the head of the far-right channel ‘Hover Lab’ (originally ‘Garo Sero Institute’).
Arriving at 8:53 a.m., Tzuyang was there in her capacity as a petitioner but made a surprising exit just 40 minutes later at around 9:35 a.m. Speaking briefly to assembled press, she expressed her frustration, stating, “Mr. Kim has continuously spread false claims since July of last year and made life difficult for those around me. While the recent decision to drop parts of the case was very painful, I wanted to show up today with the intention of seeing this through sincerely.”
The emotional toll was evident. “Honestly, I was scared. The idea of undergoing questioning again while fearing continued harassment was overwhelming,” she confessed, adding, “But I mustered the courage because I don’t want others to be victimized the same way.” However, as she exited the station early, Tzuyang remarked, “I decided not to proceed with today’s investigation and may request a reinvestigation depending on how things unfold.”
Tzuyang’s legal representative, attorney Kim Tae-yeon, voiced deep concern over how the police have handled the case. “It’s regrettable that the investigative attitude did not acknowledge her as a victim. There was absolutely no sense of protection offered,” Kim said.
He further claimed that key information, such as ongoing supplementary investigations, was not shared with them: “Basic updates that should be provided to complainants were not communicated, raising serious concerns about the fairness of the investigation.”
Tensions escalated as Kim revealed, “Despite repeatedly identifying procedural issues, the investigative team showed no proactive intent. At this stage, we’re considering submitting a formal request to disqualify the investigator.”
Kim Se-ui has previously used his platform to make numerous unsubstantiated allegations about Tzuyang, including tax evasion and issues related to her personal life, sparking waves of online abuse. In response, Tzuyang filed a lawsuit in July 2023 accusing Kim of defamation and coercion.
Although the Gangnam Police Station dismissed some charges in February 2024, citing temporary withdrawal of complaint documents and insufficient evidence, Tzuyang’s side swiftly filed an objection. The Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office has since ordered further supplementary investigation, suggesting this case may not be over yet.
Tzuyang’s move offers a sobering reflection on the cost of fame in the digital age – where influencers must increasingly defend themselves from targeted smear campaigns as their public profiles grow. Her case could set a precedent for how cyberbullying and false accusations are treated in legal settings throughout South Korea and beyond.
