Gamdonglan speaks on her YouTube channel. Captured from YouTube

A recent scandal involving a former gang member turned YouTuber and internet broadcaster (BJ) who was arrested for drug use and distribution has sparked outrage. Fellow BJ Gamdonglan (whose real name is Kim So-eun) publicly criticized the behavior of BJs and the online streaming platform AfreecaTV, where many of them operate, describing the environment as a "jungle."

On Friday, Gamdonglan, who is primarily active on AfreecaTV, posted a lengthy message on her YouTube channel's community page.

"Another drug scandal involving an AfreecaTV host has surfaced. In most cases, only the distributors and sellers end up in jail, while first-time users usually get off with a fine or a suspended sentence. The penalties for drug offenders are too lenient," she said.

Gamdonglan also took aim at AfreecaTV's content management system.

"AfreecaTV is desperately trying to clean up its image, treating gambling as a minor issue while being incredibly lenient toward serious crimes like facilitating prostitution, engaging in sex work, and drug use. It's the height of hypocrisy," she said.

She said that even if someone serves a prison sentence or gets embroiled in a scandal, they can come back without any issues, earning millions every month and living well.

Gamdonglan further criticized AfreecaTV's content format, arguing that it encourages BJs to engage in inappropriate behavior.

She specifically mentioned "Excel broadcasting," a type of stream where viewers who donate money are ranked in a list similar to an Excel spreadsheet. These streams often feature multiple female BJs dancing in response to receiving star balloons or donations, and are typically hosted by male BJs.

A scene from a BJ's "Excel broadcast" / Captured from AfreecaTV

Weak sanctions on problematic hosts

Gamdonglan described the current state of internet broadcasting as a "jungle," where personal broadcasts have become increasingly difficult, forcing BJs to align themselves with influential groups to make money.

"In the process, they have to engage in drug use and sexual activities," she claimed. "If they don't, they won't be allowed into the inner circle, and the donations will stop," she said.

Gamdonglan added, "Right now, the only way to make money in the [internet] broadcasting world is through 'Excel broadcasts,' but to do that, you have to pay a corresponding price."

She concluded by saying, "This place operates like a cyber pimp and is a jungle rife with exploitation."

The controversy erupted after it was reported on Aug. 22 that the Seoul Gangnam Police Station had arrested BJ Kim, 33, on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.

On Aug. 23, he was transferred to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. Kim is accused of using drugs like ketamine and selling tens of millions of won worth of narcotics at a friend's home from October 2022 to August 2023.

Kim, who had openly identified himself as a gang member, was active as both a YouTuber and an internet broadcaster. His YouTube channel currently boasts 260,000 subscribers.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.