South Korea investigates 'Yacha Rule' fighting and illegal gambling links

Police in South Korea are investigating a surge in 'Yacha Rule' fights, a trend where individuals engage in bare-knuckle combat without rules or protective gear. In Jeju, middle school students were arrested for participating in such a fight in an apartment parking lot while several other students fled the scene.

Investigations have revealed that these violent videos are being used as bait on Telegram to lure users into illegal gambling sites. Channel operators promote 'VIP rooms' containing more intense or unreleased fighting footage to encourage subscribers to sign up for gambling platforms using specific referral codes. Some teenagers have reportedly become involved in the cycle by filming fights to fund their gambling habits or acting as recruiters.

The trend has led to severe consequences, including a fatal incident in Cheongju where a woman died after being forced into a fight. The National Police Agency has issued warnings, noting that even if participants agree to fight without reporting injuries, they can still face criminal charges for assault and injury.