Cyberbullying YouTuber Gyujaeok (real name Lee Jun-hee) has announced his effective "retirement" from broadcasting while conveying his thoughts directly from the detention center. Gyujaeok publicly apologized to those who claimed to have been harmed by the content he produced and has made all videos on his YouTube channel private.
Recently, Gyujaeok expressed his sentiments through two lengthy posts shared on the YouTube community via his legal representative, stating, "Regardless of the nature of my crime, I sincerely apologize to anyone who has been hurt by my videos." Currently, he has been sentenced to three years in prison in connection with a criminal case involving mukbang YouTuber Jjiyang, and he remains incarcerated at Suwon Detention Center. He has also been additionally indicted in a defamation case of fact instigated by Navy YouTuber Lee Geun, bringing renewed attention to previous cases that had been concluded.
Gyujaeok remarked, "Not only I but also my acquaintances are being summoned for questioning by the prosecution and police repeatedly," indicating that his activities continue to cause new harm. He then made his broadcasting suspension official by stating, "Further harm may continue to arise due to past videos, so I have transitioned all videos to private."
In addition, Gyujaeok sent a separate apology message to the victims, saying, "I have been detained for over a year and cannot visit directly, but I will sincerely apologize through my lawyer if you wish." However, he added concerning certain charges against him, "There are clear misreports, but the act of seeking to clarify my innocence itself can lead to further harm," and stated, "I will address all clarifications in court."
Previously, the YouTube channel Garoseoro Research Institute claimed last year that Gyujaeok and JuJakGambeolsa (real name Jeon Guk-jin) extorted money under the pretext of revealing Jjiyang's private life; Jjiyang revealed on her YouTube channel that they demanded 55 million KRW (about $50,000) while recounting her experiences of assault and threats from her ex-boyfriend. Following this, Jjiyang filed a civil lawsuit against Gyujaeok for 100 million KRW (about $90,000) and against JuJakGambeolsa for 50 million KRW (about $45,000), claiming mental damages. The court ruled that Gyujaeok must pay Jjiyang 75 million KRW and JuJakGambeolsa 50 million KRW.
Separately, related to charges of extortion against Jjiyang, Gyujaeok was sentenced to three years in prison, while JuJakGambeolsa received a one-year prison term suspended for three years. The co-defendants Karakula (real name Lee Se-wook) and Crocodile (real name Choi Il-hwan) also received guilty verdicts.