Two women who blackmailed popular YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jung-won, 28) out of over 200 million KRW (approx. $145,000) are now facing prison time.

⚖️ Prosecution Seeks 1-Year Sentence Each

On July 18, the Seoul Central District Court held the final trial for Kim and Song, two women in their 30s indicted on charges of joint blackmail under the Act on Punishment of Violent Acts. Prosecutors requested a 1-year prison sentence for each.

While the prosecution acknowledged that the women admitted to their crimes and reached a settlement with the victim, they emphasized the severity of the offense.

💰 Over 210 Million KRW Blackmailed

The defendants returned the full amount — 216 million KRW, including the original 2.16 billion won and an additional 40 million won in settlement — to Tzuyang. However, the prosecution noted the women lacked remorse during the crime.

In court, the two claimed they were under the impression that Tzuyang's former agency CEO would handle the money and didn't fully understand the weight of their actions. "We now realize how much pain we caused her," they stated.

🗣️ The Backstory: Blackmail Over Past Secrets

Between June 2021 and November 2022, Kim and Song threatened to expose Tzuyang's past unless they were paid. In 2023, Tzuyang revealed, "My former CEO (and ex-boyfriend) told me that two women were threatening me. He asked me to pay them off, so I gave them over 210 million won over two years."

📅 Sentencing Set for August 20

The final sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 20.