IVE’s Jang Wonyoung is considered an icon of the 4th generation of K-pop idols. With no shortcomings in visuals, vocals, dance or charm, even she was not immune to the harm caused by malicious YouTubers spreading false information and defamation. Last year, she took civil and criminal legal action against such a YouTuber, ultimately securing justice in the form of criminal fines and damages amounting to tens of millions of won.
The malicious defamation was indiscriminate. While Jang Wonyoung was the biggest victim, other celebrities like Kang Daniel, BTS’s V and Jungkook were also targeted. The YouTuber in question produced and uploaded 23 defamatory videos about seven public figures and influencers over an 8-month period starting in October 2021. What sparked further outrage was the calculated use of AI-generated voices and foreign servers to fabricate content about the private lives of these stars.
Jang Wonyoung’s Defamation Case – Tzuyang’s Extortion Over Private Life
Tzuyang (real name Park Jung-won), a YouTuber with over 10 million subscribers, gained fame for eating massive quantities of food with her petite frame and bright demeanor. However, she became a target due to her private history, which was difficult to reveal publicly. The “Tzuyang case,” which became a major social issue last year, exposed how a so-called “cyber-wrecker alliance” of YouTubers including figures like Gujeyeok and Jujakgambeolsa used her past to blackmail and extort money.
What prompted Tzuyang to take legal action was a leaked audio file released through Garo Sero Institute. In the recording, Gujeyeok and others are heard discussing how to financially exploit her private matters. They were eventually tried and sentenced to prison for extortion. Tzuyang later confessed, “The threats from those YouTubers were even more traumatizing than the abuse I suffered from my ex-boyfriend.”
The term “cyber-wrecker” is a newly coined term likening these YouTubers to tow trucks that rush to accident scenes except they’re after attention, not rescue. They create “targeted content” exploiting others’ vulnerabilities purely for profit. Their favorite targets are often celebrities because the more prominent and scandalous the issue, the greater the attention and revenue it generates.
Fake Edits, AI Manipulations Truth Twisted Amid Accusations and Counterclaims
Recently, actor Kim Soo Hyun was reported to be facing damage claims of up to 7.3 billion KRW (approximately 5.3 million USD) from advertisers. This stemmed from rumors surrounding a conflict with the family of the late Kim Sae Ron and related private controversies. However, it’s believed that this, too, was driven more by a specific cyber-wrecker’s unilateral allegations than any verified facts—further exposing the severe impact of such content on the entertainment industry.
If someone is to be criticized or exposed, it must be based on solid evidence. Vague or ambiguous claims only spark further controversy. As accusations and rebuttals escalated, suspicions of “fake edits” and “AI manipulation” grew. With major advertising deals canceled and projects halted, Kim Soo Hyun’s only recourse is to uncover the truth. He has filed defamation lawsuits against the bereaved family and the operators of Garo Sero Institute, along with a 12 billion KRW (~8.7 million USD) damage suit.
Public sentiment regarding the “Kim Soo Hyun case” no longer sides with one-sided claims or sensational new exposés. What the public wants now is a swift and thorough police investigation to determine the facts. The longer it takes, the greater the snowballing damage. Unfortunately, there are concerns that the investigation is moving sluggishly. Considering the gravity of the situation, only a prompt inquiry and revelation of the truth can help minimize the damage caused.