"If You Want to Become the King, Take the Challenge"... Police on Alert Over Large-Scale Internet Broadcast Announced at Bucheon Station

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Tension is rising once again in Bucheon City as another large-scale internet broadcast has been announced, amid ongoing controversy over bizarre acts by internet streamers. The severity of these incidents has increased, with some mocking the police and making sexually harassing remarks toward passersby. In response, Bucheon City has organized a dedicated image improvement task force to address the situation.

According to industry sources on April 5, a woman in her 30s, referred to as Ms. A, posted an announcement on her personal channel on April 3, stating "Recruiting the first group for XX Crew on April 6." The post included phrases such as "1 PM at Bucheon Station North Square" and "If you want to become the king of Bucheon, take the challenge," along with a note that "legal and administrative protection will be provided (anyone can apply)."

On March 31, Ms. A was booked without detention for trespassing after allegedly entering an elementary school in Namdong District, Incheon, without permission from a facility manager, claiming she would film the Admiral Yi Sun-sin statue. She is currently under police investigation.

Mr. B, a male YouTuber in his 30s who previously worked with her, was prosecuted for insulting and obstructing the work of police officers who responded to a noise complaint near Bucheon Station last year. He was sentenced to eight months in prison at the appellate court.

On the same day at 1 PM, Ms. C, Mr. B’s ex-wife, also announced that she would be broadcasting at Bucheon Station North Square. She stated that both viewers and BJs could apply to participate, but clarified that minors and people with disabilities are not eligible.

Volunteers are patrolling at Pinocchio Square near Bucheon Station, known as a hub for internet broadcasting. Photo by Jisoo Park

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The area around Bucheon Station has become known as a mecca for internet broadcasting, and has increasingly become a hotbed for serious crimes beyond just simple noise issues. Although the task force has stepped up patrols, resulting in a significant decrease in the number of streamers, tension remains high as another large-scale broadcast has been announced.

According to The Asia Business Daily, a city official stated, "We are continuously monitoring the actions of YouTubers and will report any extreme or bizarre acts to the police station. After conducting an internal review, we plan to create a manual to guide our response."

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