Seen is an image captured from a YouTube channel that revealed the personal information of a man presumed to be a perpetrator in the Miryang gang rape case. Captured from YouTube

A YouTuber has recently revealed the identities of perpetrators involved in a sexual assault case from 20 years ago that occurred in Miryang City, South Korea. This sparked a flood of requests from viewers asking for updates on other criminals, with some even offering financial support to encourage further exposé cases.

While many applaud these vigilante efforts as a form of social justice, there are significant risks involved. Mistaken identity and secondary victimization are among the prominent issues.

Despite these potential pitfalls, the monetary gains from donations far outweigh the legal penalties for privacy violations, suggesting that this trend will likely continue.

The YouTube channel "nalock9" has seen a deluge of comments and requests for the exposure of various criminals since it began posting videos about the Miryang middle school gang rape case on June 1.

Each video garners thousands of comments, with viewers urging the YouTuber to expose individuals involved in other notorious cases. Some commenters even provide personal information about suspected perpetrators, including their real names and current occupations.

Financial incentives further fuel these activities. Through YouTube's Super Thanks feature, supporters can donate amounts ranging from 2,000 won ($1.50) to 500,000 won, essentially commissioning the YouTuber to investigate and expose criminals. This financial support stems from distrust in the judicial system, with many believing that lenient punishments necessitate alternative forms of justice.

Comments on a video revealing the personal information of perpetrators in the Miryang gang rape case / Captured from YouTube

Substantial financial rewards

Lee Yoon-ho, a professor of police studies at Cyber University of Korea, said, "There is a pervasive distrust in the judicial system due to perceived leniency in sentencing. This distrust fuels support for YouTubers who engage in doxxing, encouraging others to think, 'If they can do it, why can't I?' and prompting financial contributions."

The financial rewards for these YouTubers are substantial as "nalock9" gained approximately 300,000 subscribers in one week.

According to Nox Influencer, a platform that estimates YouTuber earnings, their monthly revenue could reach 17.6 million won, with an additional 6.4 million won from ad revenue.

Given that fines for privacy violations under the related laws are capped at 50 million won, and many defamation cases result in fines rather than jail time, the financial benefits significantly outweigh the risks.

However, this practice of doxxing has serious consequences. The Korean Sexual Violence Relief Center (KSVRC), a support organization for the victims of the Miryang case, has refuted claims that the YouTuber obtained consent from the victims' families to carry out these acts of exposing others.

On June 5, the organization said, "The YouTuber's claim that they obtained consent from the victim's family is false."

Incorrectly identifying individuals as perpetrators can have devastating effects. The "nalock9" YouTuber had to request a halt to attacks on a nail salon owner who was mistakenly identified as the girlfriend of one of the perpetrators.

The Korean Sexual Violence Relief Center posts a statement of refutation regarding the YouTuber who claimed to have received consent from the families of victims in the Miryang gang rape case on June 5 via social media. Captured from social media

Deletion of related videos

The KSVRC has also requested the removal of videos, stating, "We did not agree to the disclosure of all perpetrators."

While these disclosures may provide a sense of immediate gratification, they could ultimately erode trust in the legal system, it said.

On Friday, the "nalock9" operater who had been disclosing the identities of the perpetrators involved in the Miryang case, deleted all related videos.

The deletion came after those whose personal information was exposed in these videos have filed defamation charges against the YouTuber with the police.

Attorney Park Joon-young warns, "If this kind of exposure spreads, anyone could unjustly have their personal information revealed and be filmed, with the footage widely disseminated. Revisiting a 20-year-old case and seeking apologies from perpetrators could prolong the victims' trauma and fuel ongoing anger and resentment."

In the long run, the focus should shift from public shaming to healing and rehabilitation. "Instead of perpetuating anger and hostility, efforts should be made to support the victims' recovery and facilitate meaningful changes in the perpetrators," Park said.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.