Tzuyang

{{Short description|South Korean YouTuber (born 1996)}} {{Family name hatnote|Park|lang=Korean}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}}

{{Infobox social media personality | honorific_prefix = | name = Tzuyang | honorific_suffix = | native_name = | native_name_lang = | birth_name = Park Jung-won | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|04|14}} | birth_place = Seoul, South Korea | death_date = | death_place = | image = File:Tzuyang in December 2025.png | caption = Tzuyang in 2025 | alt =  | occupation = | spouse = | partner = | children = | relatives = | website = | module = {{Infobox Korean name/auto|child=yes|headercolor=transparent | hangul = %박정원 | hanja = 朴正元 }} | logo = | logo_caption = | logo_alt = | logo_size =

| stats_update = 4 January 2025 }}

'''Park Jung-won''' ({{Korean|hangul=박정원}}; born April 14, 1996), known by the handle '''Tzuyang''' ({{Korean|hangul=쯔양|labels=no}}), is a South Korean mukbang YouTuber.

== Early life and education == Tzuyang was born Park Jung-won in Seoul, South Korea, on April 14, 1996. She attended Mirae High School of Science and Technology,<ref>{{Cite web |last=NtvNews.ID |title=Profil Tzuyang, YouTuber Korsel yang Mengalami Kekerasan – Ntvnews.id |url=https://www.ntvnews.id/hiburan/017288/profil-tzuyang-youtuber-korsel-yang-mengalami-kekerasan |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=www.ntvnews.id |language=id}}</ref> and then attended a university.<ref name="www.koreatimes.co.kr-2024">{{Cite web |date=11 July 2024 |title=YouTuber Tzuyang opens up about 4 years of abuse by ex-boyfriend – The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/law-crime/20240711/youtuber-tzuyang-opens-up-about-4-years-of-abuse-by-ex-boyfriend |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=www.koreatimes.co.kr |language=en}}</ref>

== Career == Before starting her mukbang channels, she was forced to work in her former boyfriend's bar.<ref name="김예랑-2024">{{Cite web |last=김예랑 |date=2024-07-11 |title="저렇게 착한 사람을…" 쯔양, 40억 뜯기면서도 꾸준히 '기부' |url=https://www.hankyung.com/article/2024071163457 |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=한국경제 |language=ko}}</ref><ref name="koreajoongangdaily.joins.com-2025">{{Cite web |date=2025-04-17 |title=Court orders Hoverlab to remove Tzuyang-related video content |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-04-17/national/socialAffairs/Court-orders-Hoverlab-to-remove-Tzuyangrelated-video-content/2287878 |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 2018, Tzuyang started her mukbang channels on Afreeca and YouTube after people suggested it was a good way for her to enable her to live how she wanted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jun-hee |first=Park |date=11 July 2024 |title=YouTube star Tzuyang tells of abuse by ex-boyfriend |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/3432083 |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Jun-hee-2020">{{Cite web |last=Jun-hee |first=Park |date=2020-05-03 |title=Tzuyang eats her way to top on YouTube |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/2297569 |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=The Korea Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref name="매일경제-2024" /> She later clarified in 2024 that she was blackmailed into starting the channels in order to preclude the release of videos of her in sexually compromised positions.<ref name="www.koreatimes.co.kr-2024" /><ref name="김예랑-2024" />

She gained rapid popularity due to her ability to stay slim despite eating massive amounts of food.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2025 |title=Tzuyang’s secret to staying slim? A look at the stomach of someone who eats 20 packs of ramen – The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/people-events/20250429/mukbang-youtuber-tzuyangs-secret-to-staying-slim-a-look-at-the-stomach-of-someone-who-eats-20-packs-of-ramen |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=www.koreatimes.co.kr |language=en}}</ref> She reached the 1 million subscribers milestone in 2019,<ref name="Jun-hee-2020" /> and 10 million subscribers by 2024.<ref name="Yim-2024">{{Cite news |last=Yim |first=Hyunsu |date=11 July 2024 |title=South Korean YouTuber Tzuyang says she was victim of dating violence |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korean-youtuber-tzuyang-says-she-was-victim-dating-violence-2024-07-11/}}</ref>

In 2020, she was embroiled in an undisclosed advertising controversy, for which she apologized for not marking the videos as paid advertisements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=김자아 |date=2020-08-05 |title=참피디 '뒷광고 폭로'에…수백만 유튜버들 줄줄이 '사과' |url=https://www.mt.co.kr/culture/2020/08/05/2020080514151393611 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=머니투데이 |language=Korean}}</ref>

In February 2024, a mukbang video that she posted featuring Kim Ji Young, a comedian who played a Filipina named Nitung (니퉁) in the South Korean television comedy show, ''Gag Concert'', sparked a backlash for using stereotyped accents and a mockery of Filipino culture. The incident drew criticism from both Korean and international viewers, with many calling it racist and insulting to Filipinos. The video was removed eight days after it was initially released, and Tzuyang issued a public apology in Tagalog, English, and Korean, acknowledging her shortcomings and promising more sensitivity in the future.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=#trending: Top Korean YouTuber apologises, removes 'racially insensitive' video said to mock Filipinos |url=https://www.todayonline.com/world/trending-korean-youtuber-sorry-video-racially-insensitive-mock-filipinos-2358496 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=TODAY |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=이은 |date=2024-02-05 |title="노골적 인종차별"…'개콘' 니퉁 김지영, 필리핀인 희화화 '뭇매' |url=https://www.mt.co.kr/society/2024/02/05/2024020509413629614 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=머니투데이 |language=Korean}}</ref>

In a survey conducted by Gallup Korea from March, 22 to April, 5, 2024, she was named Korea's favorite YouTuber, gathering 5.2% of 1,777 votes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2024 |title=Tzuyang named Korea's favorite YouTuber – The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/trends/20240621/tzuyang-named-koreas-favorite-youtuber |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=www.koreatimes.co.kr |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=뉴시스 |date=20 June 2024 |title=한국인 가장 좋아하는 유튜버 '쯔양', 곽튜브·햄지 順 |url=https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20240619_0002778922 |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=뉴시스 |language=ko}}</ref>

On 31 December 2025, Tzuyang won the Popularity Award at 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title="죽을 만큼 힘들었다" 고백한 쯔양, 'MBC 방송연예대상' 인기상 소감 "너무 과분하고 영광스러워" |url=https://v.daum.net/v/20251231053104781 |access-date=2026-01-04 |website=Daum}}</ref>

=== Allegations and instances of physical abuse and blackmailing === In July 2024, Tzuyang revealed that she had been a victim of physical abuse by a former boyfriend who extorted her to the tune of {{KRWConvert|4|b|year=2024|showdate=no}} and disclosed her most intimate moments to other YouTubers.<ref name="Yim-2024" /> He was also the manager of the creative agency created to manage her, but he would take 70% of her earnings through an exploitative contract.<ref name="조선일보-2024">{{Cite web |last=조선일보 |date=10 July 2024 |title=쯔양 “전남친이 4년간 폭행·협박, 40억 뜯겨...술집서 일 시키기도” |url=https://www.chosun.com/national/national_general/2024/07/11/LSB6LNXBLRCQ7HT7KBVJBUO7NI/ |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=조선일보 |language=ko}}</ref> The criminal cases against him were closed when he "took his own life",<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 July 2024 |title=South Korean YouTuber Tzuyang says she was victim of dating violence |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-korean-youtuber-tzuyang-says-she-was-victim-of-dating-violence |access-date=5 October 2025 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref> leaving her unable to reclaim the money owed to her.<ref name="조선일보-2024" />

Subsequently, in August 2024, she reported four YouTubers, Jeon Guk-jin, Caracula, Gujeyeok, and Crocodile, to authorities for blackmailing her over her past actions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 August 2024 |title=YouTubers to face trial for alleged extortion of mukbang star Tzuyang |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-08-14/national/socialAffairs/YouTubers-to-face-trial-for-alleged-extortion-of-mukbang-star-Tzuyang/2112770 |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref> The YouTube channels belonging to Jeon Guk-jin, Caracula, and Gujeyeok were demonetized by YouTube accordingly.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 July 2024 |title='Cyber wrecker' YouTubers apologize to Tzuyang over extortion conspiracy – The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/law-crime/20240716/cyber-wrecker-youtubers-apologize-to-tzuyang-over-extortion-conspiracy |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=www.koreatimes.co.kr |language=en}}</ref> Her former boyfriend's lawyer, surnamed Choi, was also indicted for coercing, blackmailing, and extorting his client.<ref name="koreajoongangdaily.joins.com-2024">{{Cite web |date=28 August 2024 |title=Attorney indicted for allegedly leaking info, blackmailing mukbang star Tzuyang |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-08-28/national/socialAffairs/Attorney-indicted-for-allegedly-leaking-info-blackmailing-mukbang-star-Tzuyang/2122638 |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref> It was also reported that, while Choi was defending his client's company, and additionally after he passed away, he was the one leaking information about her to the YouTubers, allegedly attempting to extort Tzuyang and receiving {{KRWConvert|23.1|m|year=2024|showdate=no}} from her, while preventing his client from taking responsibility for the threats she face.<ref name="koreajoongangdaily.joins.com-2024" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-29 |title=“변호사는 악마라더니”…쯔양 협박 설계하고 전남친 유서 조작 |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/news/society/11104264 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=매일경제 |language=ko}}</ref>

Tzuyang took a three-month break from producing content, returning to YouTube in October 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 October 2024 |title=YouTuber Tzuyang to come back after a three-month break |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-10-05/national/socialAffairs/YouTuber-Tzuyang-to-come-back-after-a-threemonth-break/2148727 |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref> In November 2024, she received the Diamond Creator Award from YouTube for reaching the 10 million subscribers milestone.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 November 2024 |title='Mukbang' star Tzuyang celebrates 10 million subscribers with YouTube's Diamond Button – The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/shows-dramas/20241104/mukbang-star-tzuyang-celebrates-10-million-subscribers-with-youtubes-diamond-button |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=www.koreatimes.co.kr |language=en}}</ref> To commemorate the milestone, she donated {{KRWConvert|200|m|year=2024|showdate=no}} to World Vision.<ref name="매일경제-2024">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-10 |title=‘먹방’으로 구독자 1천만 돌파…“배고픈 아이들 위해” 쯔양 2억 기부 |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/news/culture/11063209 |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=매일경제 |language=ko}}</ref> {{KRWConvert|100|m|year=2024|showdate=no}} of this donation came from sponsors of her channel.<ref name="매일경제-2024" />

In July 2024, a defamation case was filed against YouTuber {{ill|Kim Se-ui|ko|김세의}}, head of the channel Hover Lab, also known as Garo Sero Research Institute, and an investigation into the case is under way as of October 2025.<ref name="www.koreatimes.co.kr-2025">{{Cite web |date=16 April 2025 |title=YouTuber Tzuyang walks out of police questioning over stalking case against Hoverlab's Kim Se-ui – The Korea Times |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20250416/youtuber-tzuyang-walks-out-of-police-questioning-over-stalking-case-against-hoverlabs-kim-se-ui |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=www.koreatimes.co.kr |language=en}}</ref> A separate lawsuit was filed in February 2025 against Kim alleging blackmail, coercion, and violation of privacy. The Seoul High Court eventually ruled in favor of Tzuyang, ordering Kim to pay {{KRWConvert|10|m|year=2024|showdate=no}} per future video if he mentioned Tzuyang.{{Cn|date=May 2026}} Kim was also ordered to remove existing videos about Tzuyang.<ref name="koreajoongangdaily.joins.com-2025" /> Additionally, two restraining orders against Kim were ordered regarding Tzuyang, after she had been recognized as a victim of stalking.{{Cn|date=May 2026}}

In May 2025, two women who blackmailed and extorted Tzuyang about {{KRWConvert|216|m|year=2024|showdate=no}} were indicted.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-09 |title=Two women indicted for blackmailing YouTuber Tzuyang |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-09/national/socialAffairs/Two-women-indicted-for-blackmailing-YouTuber-Tzuyang/2303929 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref> In August 2025, they were given suspended sentences and issued restraining orders after they had made full restitution. By way of restitution, they also made additional payment to Tzuyang.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-20 |title=Two women who blackmailed YouTuber Tzuyang given suspended sentences, restraining orders |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-08-20/national/socialAffairs/Two-women-who-blackmailed-YouTuber-Tzuyang-given-suspended-sentences-restraining-orders/2379832 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=koreajoongangdaily.joins.com |language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life == In 2025, Tzuyang published her medical checkup revealing that her stomach is 40 percent larger than those with similar builds and her body had naturally adjusted to her substantial food intake.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 June 2025 |title=Korean ‘Big Stomach Queen’ has gut 40% larger than average, surpasses many adult men |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3314763/korean-big-stomach-queen-wows-fans-huge-appetite-gut-40-larger-average |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> She also revealed that she suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative disease affecting her sight, and may eventually be blind.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Entertainment |first=N. S. T. |date=4 October 2025 |title=#SHOWBIZ: YouTuber Tzuyang shocks fans with incurable disease revelation, risks blindness {{!}} New Straits Times |url=https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2025/10/1287022/showbiz-youtuber-tzuyang-shocks-fans-incurable-disease-revelation |access-date=5 October 2025 |website=NST Online |language=en}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}} Category:Mukbang YouTubers Category:South Korean YouTubers Category:Korean-language YouTube channels Category:Living people Category:1996 births