Police Refer Two YouTubers to Prosecution Over 'Ulsan Reserve Oil to North Korea' Allegations

Charged With Violating Information and Communications Network Act
Investigation Ongoing for Four Other Suspects

YouTube channel operators who spread false information claiming that crude oil from the Ulsan oil storage facility was supplied to North Korea have been referred to the prosecution.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on June 8, 2026, that two YouTubers, including Mr. A, were sent to the prosecution without detention on charges of violating the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and the Framework Act on Telecommunications. In addition, two other YouTubers facing similar charges have been booked without detention, and investigations are ongoing into two more YouTubers whose identities have not yet been identified.

An oil tanker that passed through the Strait of Hormuz last April is unloading crude oil off the coast of Onsan, Ulju-gun, Ulsan on the 13th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Mr. A and others are accused of uploading a video to their YouTube channel in March 2026, claiming that approximately 900,000 barrels of crude oil stored at the Ulsan oil storage facility were shipped overseas and ultimately supplied to North Korea. This video was posted at a time when concerns over crude oil supply were mounting following the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran war on February 28, 2026.

A police official stated, "While freedom of expression will be actively protected, we will conduct strict investigations in accordance with the law and principles against the production and dissemination of malicious and clearly false information that causes social unrest."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.