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Police have referred a Korean YouTuber to prosecutors for allegedly spreading false information about mutilated bodies discovered in the country, authorities announced Wednesday.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s cyber investigation department said the case involves a man in his 30s, identified only by his surname Cho, who was sent to prosecutors on February 13 without detention. He faces charges of violating the Framework Act on Telecommunications.
In addition to the criminal referral, police requested a pre-indictment forfeiture order for approximately $2,421 in alleged criminal proceeds earned through his YouTube channel, which targets Japanese audiences and has amassed roughly 960,000 subscribers.
According to police, Cho posted a video on October 22, 2025, falsely claiming that 37 bodies consisting only of lower halves had been discovered in Korea, with more than 150 additional undisclosed investigations underway. The video further alleged that murder rates and organ trafficking crimes had surged after Korea implemented visa-free entry policies for Chinese nationals.
The allegations were deemed serious enough that in November, Korea’s National Police Agency classified the video as causing significant harm to national interests and directed Seoul police to launch a formal investigation.
Cho has publicly denied the accusations. In a video uploaded to his channel Wednesday titled “The police investigation results are out,” he claimed he had not spread fake news but had merely discussed information and comments he had found online.
This case comes amid increasing concerns about misinformation in South Korea’s digital space. Seoul police recently referred another man in his 30s to prosecutors for allegedly posting false information on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) under President Lee Jae Myung’s name. The posts falsely claimed that the government planned to increase taxes on overseas stock gains and introduce a 1 percent tax on foreign stock holdings.
“While freedom of expression should be guaranteed as much as possible, malicious or clearly false information will be dealt with firmly,” a police official stated, signaling the authorities’ intent to balance free speech concerns with combating harmful misinformation.
The case highlights the growing challenge of regulating content creators with large international audiences. Cho’s channel specifically targets Japanese viewers, raising questions about cross-border impacts of misinformation. Content creators who build audiences in foreign countries can potentially damage international relations or create false perceptions about conditions in Korea.
South Korean authorities have increasingly focused on combating online misinformation, particularly when it affects national security, economic stability, or diplomatic relations. The police indicated they plan to conduct broader crackdowns on fabricated or manipulated online information, especially content spread through automated tools.
The incident also reflects growing tensions between content creators’ freedom of expression and the potential consequences of spreading false information in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape. As platforms like YouTube provide creators with global reach, the responsibility that comes with such influence has come under greater scrutiny from regulatory authorities.
If convicted under the Framework Act on Telecommunications, Cho could face penalties including fines or potential imprisonment, though specific sentencing would be determined by prosecutors and the courts as the case proceeds through the legal system.
The original article was translated from Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times.
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14 Comments
This YouTuber seems to have spread some dangerous misinformation. Falsely claiming bodies were found and making connections to immigration policies is irresponsible and could incite fear or hatred. I hope the authorities take this matter seriously and hold him accountable.
Agreed, spreading unsubstantiated claims like this can be very harmful. It’s good to see the police taking action to address the false information and any potential criminal proceeds.
While I appreciate the YouTuber’s right to free speech, these kinds of sensationalized, unsubstantiated claims cross a line. I’m glad to see the authorities taking action to address the misinformation and any financial incentives behind it.
Exactly. Free speech is important, but it doesn’t extend to intentionally fabricating stories that could sow fear or hatred in the public. Holding this individual accountable is the right move.
While freedom of speech is important, there have to be limits when it comes to verifiably false claims that could incite panic or hatred. I’m glad the authorities are taking this seriously and pursuing charges against the YouTuber.
I agree, there’s a balance to strike between protecting free expression and preventing the spread of dangerous misinformation. Prosecution in a case like this seems warranted given the severity of the allegations.
This is a concerning situation. Making false claims about bodies and criminal activity, especially in connection with immigration policies, is extremely irresponsible and could have dangerous real-world consequences. I hope the prosecution serves as a strong deterrent.
I agree, the potential impact of this kind of misinformation is very worrying. Accountability through the legal system is critical to prevent the spread of such harmful falsehoods, regardless of the platform or size of the audience.
It’s disheartening to see a YouTuber with a large following engaging in the spread of baseless and inflammatory claims. While free speech is important, there have to be limits when it comes to verifiably false information that could incite panic or hatred.
Well said. The authorities are right to take strong action in this case. Prosecuting the individual responsible sends a clear message that there are consequences for disseminating dangerous misinformation, even on online platforms.
It’s concerning to see a YouTuber with such a large following spreading this kind of false and inflammatory content. I hope the legal process results in appropriate consequences for the individual and serves as a deterrent against future misinformation campaigns.
Absolutely, misinformation can spread like wildfire online and cause real damage. Rigorous fact-checking and accountability are essential, especially for public figures with large platforms.
Spreading false information about alleged crimes and bodies is extremely irresponsible, especially for someone with a large online following. I hope this serves as a wake-up call about the need for greater accountability around misinformation on social media.
Well said. Accountability and consequences are important to discourage this kind of reckless behavior that can have real-world impacts. Responsible use of online platforms should be a priority.