Tzuyang Ordered 73.1 Million Won in Damages Over Lawyer’s Extortion Case

A Seoul court has ordered a lawyer surnamed Choi to pay YouTuber Tzuyang 73.1 million won in damages, partially accepting her civil claim over extortion, personal information leakage, and alleged false statements. The Tzuyang Damages Ruling divides the award into money extorted through threats, losses linked to YouTube revenue changes, and compensation for emotional distress.¹

The decision was issued by Judge Kim Yu-sung of the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 90, in a lawsuit filed by Tzuyang against Choi. Reports published on June 21, 2026, state that the court recognized 23.1 million won as the amount taken through extortion, 30 million won as damages related to changes in YouTube earnings, and 20 million won as solatium, bringing the total to 73.1 million won.¹

73.1 Million Won Damages Breakdown

The damages award reflects several categories of harm rather than a single lump-sum penalty. The court accepted only part of Tzuyang’s claim, but it found Choi liable for more than the amount directly extorted. Korea Economic Daily reported that Tzuyang filed the damages lawsuit in September 2024 seeking about 150 million won, with the court recognizing 73.1 million won of that amount.²

The civil ruling followed a criminal case in which Choi was convicted in connection with threatening Tzuyang and taking money from her. Source reports state that Choi had passed information about Tzuyang’s past to YouTubers including Gu Je Yeok and used threats to extort money. Choi’s criminal sentence, one year and six months in prison suspended for two years, was finalized by the Supreme Court in March 2026.¹³

The Chosun Ilbo reported that the civil judgment ordering payment of 73.1 million won was made on May 21, 2026. The same report described the case as a damages claim arising from allegations that Choi leaked Tzuyang’s personal information and spread false information.⁴

Court Recognized Privacy and Reputational Harm

The court’s reasoning placed weight on the nature of the personal information involved. In the ruling, the court said the leaked personal information was “closely related to private life” and could be misused for secondary crimes.¹

Reports also state that the court recognized mental harm caused by the disclosure of personal information and damage to Tzuyang’s social image from the spread of false information. Star Today reported that the court did not accept Choi’s argument that the conduct amounted to public-interest reporting or a justified act, quoting the court as saying such a claim “cannot be accepted.”⁵

The ruling is significant because the recognized damages extended beyond the 23.1 million won tied directly to extortion. By adding 30 million won for YouTube revenue-related damage and 20 million won for emotional distress, the court treated the alleged privacy leak and false statements as part of the compensable harm in the civil case.¹⁵

The court also rejected Choi’s countersuit. Dailian reported that Choi’s side had filed a countersuit against Tzuyang, but the court dismissed it.⁶ The Chosun Ilbo likewise reported that Choi’s defamation-related countersuit against Tzuyang’s side was not accepted.⁴

Related Proceedings Remain Pending

The civil decision involving Choi is separate from other litigation linked to the broader allegations surrounding threats against Tzuyang. Star Today reported that an appellate damages ruling involving YouTubers Gu Je Yeok and Jujak Gambyulsa, who were accused of threatening Tzuyang, is scheduled for July 21, 2026.⁵

The available reports do not state the final outcome of that separate appellate proceeding. The confirmed status is that the Choi civil case has resulted in a partial victory for Tzuyang, with the court ordering 73.1 million won in compensation and rejecting Choi’s countersuit.⁶³

The ruling leaves a clear damages structure in place: 23.1 million won for extorted money, 30 million won for YouTube revenue-related harm, and 20 million won for emotional distress. While Tzuyang’s original claim was larger, the Seoul Central District Court recognized substantial civil liability tied to extortion, personal information leakage, and reputational harm, making the 73.1 million won award the central result of the case.

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Cloi Lee

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