Popular YouTuber SangHyuk deletes social media account amid 'DUI evasion' allegation

A recent controversy has erupted as popular Mukbang YouTuber 'SangHyuk' is being investigated for allegedly refusing a sobriety test and fleeing from police. Following the backlash, SangHyuk abruptly deleted his social media account.

According to a September 24 report by Newsis and other outlets, the Songpa Police Department announced the previous day that a man in his 30s, identified as 'A,' was arrested and is under investigation for refusing a sobriety test under the Road Traffic Act. The police believe 'A' was driving under the influence on September 21, around 3:40 AM, traveling from Gangnam-gu to Songpa-gu. After refusing the officer's request for a sobriety test, he allegedly stopped his car on the road and fled on foot for about 300 meters before being caught.

It was reported that the arrested man is a famous YouTuber with over 1.65 million subscribers. After this news broke, online communities and social media platforms began speculating that 'A' was 'SangHyuk,' a YouTuber known for his mukbang content.

As the controversy grew, SangHyuk's social media accounts were flooded with critical comments. Without issuing any official statement, SangHyuk's team abruptly deleted his social media account, which had around 410,000 followers. His YouTube channel also received a wave of criticism. The news of the account deletion only intensified the backlash, with netizens flooding his channel with comments.

SangHyuk started his career in 2018 under the name 'BJ Hyuk' on AfreecaTV. In 2019, he moved to YouTube and gained popularity with a variety of mukbang content. He recently expanded into business, operating a nationwide French fry brand with dozens of locations.

Since the reports, Seoul authorities have confirmed that popular mukbang creator SangHyuk, who has 1.65 million subscribers, was caught on CCTV fleeing the scene after driving under the influence. The incident took place in Songpa District, Seoul, in the early hours of September 21.