Prosecutors sought a four-year prison term in the appeals trial for YouTuber Gu Jae-yeok (real name Lee Jun-hee), who was sentenced to three years in prison in the first trial for allegedly extorting money from YouTuber Tzuyang (real name Park Jeong-won), who has over 10 million subscribers.
During the sentencing hearing held on the 22nd at the Suwon District Court's Criminal Appeals Division 3-3, the prosecution noted, "The defendant denies the charges and lacks remorse, as he has filed a false accusation against the victim." Gu Jae-yeok's lawyer claimed there was no threat or demand for money, asserting his innocence.
Gu Jae-yeok said in his final statement, "Even if I am convicted, please give me a chance to restore the damage."
YouTuber Jujak Gamber (real name Jeon Guk-jin), who was indicted together with Gu Jae-yeok, has been sought the same three-year prison sentence as in the first trial, while Karakula (real name Lee Se-wook) and Crocodile (real name Choi Il-hwan) have been sought two years and one year in prison, respectively. Attorney Choi, who was involved in the extortion of Tzuyang, has been sought a five-year prison term.
Earlier in the first trial, Gu Jae-yeok received a three-year prison sentence, Jujak Gamber and Karakula received one year in prison with a three-year probation, Crocodile was fined 5 million won, and Attorney Choi was sentenced to two years in prison.
Gu Jae-yeok and Jujak Gamber were indicted in February 2023 for allegedly extorting 55 million won from Tzuyang by mentioning allegations of tax evasion and personal life issues. Karakula and Crocodile are accused of coercing this, while Attorney Choi is accused of participating in the extortion using information obtained during a civil lawsuit.
The ruling for the appeals trial is scheduled for September 5.