Trending YouTuber Tzuyang Fights Back Against False Rumors of Chinese Backing

Popular mukbang content creator Tzuyang has publicly denied widespread rumors about her nationality and the source of her channel’s success, addressing claims that her 12.7 million subscriber base stems from Chinese political or financial backing.

In a revealing conversation on comedian Park Na-rae’s YouTube show “Naraesik” released Wednesday, Tzuyang spoke candidly about the toll of persistent online misinformation that has targeted her growing platform.

“People say my 12 million subscribers are all because of Chinese support, that Chinese groups are sponsoring me, and that I’m actually Chinese,” Tzuyang explained during the interview. She firmly rejected these assertions, highlighting them as examples of the false narratives that have circulated about her online presence.

The conversation comes shortly after Tzuyang’s appearance at a National Assembly audit where she testified about cyber defamation, calling for stronger legislative protections against online harassment. The content creator described reaching a breaking point after initially believing she needed to accept criticism as part of her public-facing career.

“Because my work depends on public interest, I thought I had to accept some criticism,” she said. “But as things crossed a line, I wondered whether I should really have to endure false accusations and being framed. That is when I decided to confront it.”

The YouTuber, known for her eating broadcasts that have garnered millions of views across the platform, recalled feeling overwhelmed during her testimony before lawmakers. “I was so nervous that I don’t even remember what I said,” she admitted. The vulnerability of that moment was compounded when she later saw comments accusing her of feigning innocence, which she described as particularly hurtful.

Beyond the claims about Chinese connections, Tzuyang also addressed fabricated information about her educational background. “People keep saying I graduated from Sogang University’s continuing education program, but that is not true. Even my Chinese-character name is uploaded incorrectly,” she noted, explaining that the sheer volume of misinformation has led her to avoid reading such posts altogether.

The discussion highlighted a growing concern among content creators and public figures in South Korea regarding online misinformation and its real-world consequences. Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for unverified rumors that can rapidly spread and damage reputations.

Park Na-rae, a veteran in the Korean entertainment industry, shared her own experiences with fabricated stories during the conversation, including false rumors about marriage and pregnancy. “There was even a rumor that I was pregnant with Yang Se-chan’s baby,” she revealed, referring to her fellow comedian and collaborator.

This phenomenon reflects broader challenges facing digital content creators worldwide, as the line between public interest and privacy invasion grows increasingly blurred. In South Korea particularly, where the digital entertainment industry has exploded in recent years, content creators find themselves navigating complex terrain between public scrutiny and personal boundaries.

Industry analysts note that successful Asian content creators often face scrutiny about their funding sources and national loyalties, particularly amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. For creators like Tzuyang who have achieved remarkable growth, these rumors can undermine their legitimate accomplishments and audience connection.

The conversation between Tzuyang and Park represents a growing trend of public figures directly addressing misinformation rather than allowing rumors to persist unchallenged. By speaking out in established forums, these content creators are attempting to reclaim control of their narratives while highlighting the broader societal impact of unchecked digital defamation.