The Seoul High Court has ruled that the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute must pay ₩10 million (approximately $7,200) for each video or live broadcast produced about popular YouTuber Tzuyang, citing repeated violations of her privacy rights.

The decision, handed down June 24 by the court's 25-2 Civil Division—presided over by Judges Hwang Byung-ha, Jeong Jong-gwan, and Lee Kyun-yong—partially upheld an appeal filed by Tzuyang, whose real name has not been publicly disclosed.

"The defendants have continued to upload videos for the purpose of amplifying or reproducing related suspicions or rumors even after the first-instance ruling," the court stated. "There is a high likelihood they will repeatedly produce and post content violating the first-instance decision unless a separate indirect enforcement order is issued."

The ruling mandates that Garo Sero Institute and its co-founder, Kim Se-ui, must pay ₩10 million for each new upload concerning Tzuyang, effective immediately.

The ruling concludes a months-long back-and-forth in court that was sparked in July 2023, when Garo Sero aired what it called allegations about Tzuyang's past, including the unauthorized release of a private conversation about allegedly extorting money from her.

In a live broadcast, Garo Sero revealed audio clips between two individuals, identified as YouTubers Gujeok and Jujak Gambyeolsa, who discussed exploiting Tzuyang using private information.

The revelation prompted an outcry in the public and compelled Tzuyang to tell her story of violence and exploitation by one of her former boyfriends.

Despite ongoing legal pressure and a court order to delete certain content, the Garo Sero Institute has continued to produce videos about the matter.

In response, Tzuyang's lawyers appealed and requested more substantial penalties to deter future breaches.

The lower court initially agreed that a privacy breach had occurred and ordered some content to be taken down, but refused to issue penalties for noncompliance.

The higher court's latest decision represents a significant victory for Tzuyang, granting the enforcement fines her team sought.

Although a breathalyzer and drug test were not relevant in this case, the police conducted a separate investigation after the videos aired.

Kim Se-ui was initially not prosecuted due to insufficient evidence, but prosecutors ordered a supplementary investigation last month following objections from Tzuyang's side.

That inquiry remains ongoing at the Gangnam Police Station.

Tzuyang is one of South Korea's most popular mukbang and lifestyle YouTubers, boasting millions of followers.

The court's ruling is expected to set a precedent for similar privacy and defamation cases involving online creators and digital harassment.

The Kim and Garo Sero Institute has not publicly commented on the latest court decision.