Police Refer YouTuber Who Spread 'Ulsan Reserve Oil Sent to North Korea' Claim to Prosecution Without Detention

Suspected Violation of the Framework Act on Telecommunications

The operator of a YouTube channel who spread false information alleging that "900,000 barrels of crude oil from the Ulsan oil stockpiling base were funneled into North Korea" has been referred to the prosecution.

The Cyber Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on July 28 that a woman in her 60s, identified as Ms. A, has been referred to the prosecution without detention on charges including violating the Framework Act on Telecommunications.

An oil tanker that passed through the Strait of Hormuz was unloading crude oil off Onsan, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, on May 13. Photo by Yonhap News

According to police, Ms. A is suspected of uploading a video to her YouTube channel in March of this year containing false information, specifically claims that "900,000 barrels of crude oil stored at the Ulsan oil stockpiling base were shipped overseas and entered North Korea." This occurred during a period of heightened anxiety over crude oil supply, following the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran war on February 28.

During a police investigation, Ms. A stated that she produced the video after watching a broadcast by YouTuber Han Gil Jeon, who is known for teaching Korean history, and used similar content.

A police official stated, "While we actively uphold freedom of expression, we will strictly investigate, in accordance with the law and principles, acts of producing and disseminating malicious and clearly false information that cause social confusion."

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