Incheon, South Korea — YouTuber Ko Jin-ho, known as Sutak, detailed a traumatic experience of being abducted and nearly killed during a livestream event on Monday. The incident unfolded on the night of October 26 when he was attacked by a used-car dealer, who owed him a substantial amount of money.
Ko recounted the harrowing encounter, revealing that he arranged a meeting with the dealer in a parking lot near his home to retrieve 200 million won, or approximately $136,000, which he had paid as a down payment for a luxury vehicle. The situation escalated as the dealer, accompanied by an accomplice, ambushed Ko in his vehicle, striking him repeatedly with a baseball bat. He described the blows as being delivered with lethal intent.
The abduction took place around 10:40 p.m., and the assailants forced Ko into their car, subsequently driving him nearly 200 kilometers to a remote area in Geumsan, South Chungcheong Province. During his confinement, the kidnappers aggressively questioned him about his finances, indicating they speculated his worth at “at least 1 billion won.” In the frightening moments, Ko found himself wishing for a quick death if they intended to kill him.
Fortunately, law enforcement was able to trace the suspects’ vehicle through surveillance footage, conducting an overnight search that led to Ko’s rescue around 2:30 a.m. the following morning. In a later update, the YouTuber shared an image showing his swollen, bruised face, as he revealed the incident had left him with severe injuries, including hearing and vision impairments, as well as significant psychological trauma.
“I’m currently undergoing treatment for PTSD,” Ko commented, expressing fear at the thought of being outside or having someone walk behind him. Despite the ordeal, his subscriber count has surged past 1 million, and he affirmed his intention to move forward, stating, “I won’t let this stop me.”
The two suspects were apprehended and charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, robbery, and illegal confinement. If convicted of attempted murder, they could face a prison sentence ranging from a minimum of 10 years to life. The charge of illegal confinement also carries serious penalties, with potential imprisonment of up to five years or hefty fines.
As the investigation proceeds, Ko’s experience highlights not only the dark side of online transactions in high-value purchases but also the severe impact of violence on individuals and communities. His resilience and commitment to continue his work offer a glimmer of hope in the wake of such a terrifying event.