Korean authorities have launched a formal investigation into a YouTuber named Debo-chan for spreading false information about dismembered bodies discovered throughout South Korea.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's cyber investigation unit announced the probe on November 5 after the National Police Agency issued an official press notice on the same day.
Debo-chan operates a YouTube channel with approximately 960,000 subscribers and is based in Japan. The investigation centers on a video uploaded on October 22 with the title "The problem of murders and organ trafficking committed by criminal Chinese nationals who recently entered Korea without visas is becoming serious."
In the video, Debo-chan made several unverified claims, stating that 37 bodies without lower halves had been found in South Korea and that 150 additional cases were under confidential investigation. These claims have no substantiation and contradict verified information from South Korean authorities.
The video quickly circulated across Japanese online communities and social media platforms, generating public alarm about safety conditions in South Korea. Multiple posts emerged from the video's spread, claiming that public safety had deteriorated significantly and warning people against traveling to the country. The false information also appeared across various online platforms targeting Japanese audiences.
Police officials characterized the conduct as a serious crime, noting that the dissemination of false information created public anxiety, social confusion, and damaged South Korea's international reputation. Authorities expressed concern that the video's spread could negatively impact foreign visitors' decisions to travel to Korea and deter international investments in the country.
Following police action, Debo-chan uploaded an explanatory video on his channel on November 5. He claimed that he had only shared comments made by Korean users about incidents that appeared in news reports, rather than fabricating information with malicious intent. He stated he wanted to present various perspectives but acknowledged that the material had become a problem for South Korea, prompting his decision to delete all videos related to Korea, including those critical of the country.
The police department is currently working to confirm Debo-chan's nationality and location by requesting cooperation from YouTube. Authorities are considering charges under the Framework Act on Telecommunications, which prohibits the dissemination of false information through electronic communication networks. The investigation remains ongoing as police verify the facts surrounding the case.
