Authorities are investigating whether popular YouTuber Gak2Tube, whose real name is Kwak Jun-bin and who is married to a public servant, violated the Kim Young-ran Law through a sponsored stay at a luxury postpartum care center.
Instagram Post Ignites Scrutiny
Gak2Tube shared photos and a review of her postpartum recovery experience at the facility on Instagram on April 1, using the hashtag indicating sponsorship. Observers quickly flagged the post, prompting a formal complaint filed with the Fair Trade Commission on April 10.
The commission, under Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, confirmed receipt of the complaint and is actively analyzing the details as of April 14.
Key Concerns Raised in Complaint
The complainant highlighted several issues:
- Direct provision of benefits to the family of a public servant via the spouse.
- Association with direct sales activities, even within YouTube’s broad business scope.
- Startup marketing costs effectively turning into undue benefits.
Postpartum care costs vary widely, from a low of 3.6 million won to a high of 18.1 million won. Estimates for Gak2Tube’s two-week stay in a Royal room reach 6.9 million won, while the top-tier Presidential Suite commands up to 25 million won—figures seen as unusually inconsistent.
YouTuber’s Response to Allegations
A representative for Gak2Tube clarified, “This is not a full sponsorship but an individual service exchange solely for the review.” The team emphasized no ties to the spouse’s direct duties or sales activities.
The YouTuber also reportedly returned all sponsored chocolates and chocolates provided during the stay.
Fair Trade Commission’s Stance
Officials view such benefits as equivalent to direct gains for public servants and affiliates, imposing fines up to 100 million won per incident or 300 million won annually. However, no fines apply without confirmed recipients, given the law’s independence clause.
Postpartum services primarily benefit the mother, yet if the public servant’s spouse gains real experiences, it could trigger a law violation response, sources indicate.
