Following the murder, Choi deliberately attempted to deceive the investigators. He was observed with a suitcase, making numerous stops—eight according to some accounts—to create confusion before finally arriving at the mountainside to dispose of the body. Despite these maneuvers, he was apprehended just 12 hours after the incident. Initially claiming innocence, he later confessed to the crime after the police discovered Yoon Ji-ah’s body.

Yoon Ji-ah’s death has sparked a nationwide wave of mourning and protest in South Korea, with her family and fans demanding full accountability and the harshest legal consequences for Choi.

Her family described her as a “bright light” who cherished her family and had warm interactions with people. This tragic event has starkly highlighted the genuine dangers of parasocial relationships and the pressing need for better safety measures for content creators, prompting a serious reflection on the risks influencers may face from obsessive online behavior.