Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Internet BJ resumes show after drunk live stream
Photo of Popcorn TV homepage. Photo taken by Korea Times Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Criticism of an internet broadcast jockey caught live streaming while driving under the influence (DUI) and who has resumed broadcasting just two months after the incident without punishment from the operator, is rising.
On Nov. 2, 2018, the jockey, Lim, was caught driving drunk 700 meters from a bar in Gangnam, Seoul on his way to his motel. He was live streaming at the time on Popcorn TV.
Lim had a 0.086 percent blood alcohol level and was detained by police for violating the traffic law.
According to viewers, he stopped his internet broadcast following his arrest, but he resumed it Wednesday.
People have been denouncing the resumption of his show.
“He did not even have time to self-reflect and when he was apologizing for the incident, he received popcorn from fans. It is hard to see it as a sincere apology,” a viewer wrote online.
Popcorn can be purchased on Popcorn TV and exchanged for real currency by recipients.
Amid escalating criticism, Lim changed the setting of his broadcast so that only registered fans could view his show.
The Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) in charge of monitoring problematic real-time internet broadcasts did not place any restrictions on Lim after the drunk live stream incident.
“There were no complaints filed against Lim so there no disciplinary action was taken against him,” the commission said. “We believe Popcorn TV took measures according to its terms and conditions.
Under KCSC regulations any broadcast that is related to or portrays criminal activity should not be aired and if it is the broadcaster could face disciplinary action.