Prosecutors search YouTuber's home for threatening liberal officials

By Kim Hyun-bin

Prosecutors searched the home and broadcasting studio of a conservative YouTuber, surnamed Kim, Thursday, as the online broadcaster has repeatedly threatened key judiciary officials and liberal politicians demanding the release of former President Park Geun-hye.

They secured computer hard drives and broadcasting materials at his home in southern Seoul and studio in central Seoul. After examining the seized materials, the prosecution will decide whether to indict or even arrest him.

Since January, the 49-year-old filmed himself over 16 times visiting the residences of judiciary officials, liberal politicians and journalists, whilst expressing his hateful sentiments to viewers on YouTube. He visited Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon's home three times and ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmaker Woo Won-shik's home and office four times.

Late last month ahead of a decision by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office on whether to temporarily suspend the prison term of former President Park Geun-hye for treatment of back pain, Kim visited the home of the office chief Yoon Seok-youl and threatened to kill him. The whole scene was recorded and aired.

“I know your car license plate number. I need to show that I can kill you,” Kim said outside of Yoon's home. “If I see you eating out in Seocho-dong area, you are done. If you want to live, free President Park.”

After the broadcast, Yoon requested police protection.

On April 24, Kim also conducted a three-hour live broadcast in front of the home of Sohn Suk-hee, the president of local cable network JTBC who is considered a liberal journalist critical of the former Park government. Prosecutors say the YouTuber had made six livestreams threatening Sohn.

The prosecution believes Kim's broadcasts could constitute intimidation as they stoked fear and caused harm to those people.

Kim, who has more than 50,000 subscribers, is also an active member of a conservative website and has been a strong supporter of former President Park, according to the prosecution.