For some South Korean live-streamers, the coronavirus pandemic has brought fame and fortune
- Kim Min-kyo plays video games for up to 15 hours a day and his income has grown to about US$50,000 per month
- There is regular controversy in South Korea over a lack of regulation, from undisclosed product promotion to ‘lewd’ behaviour
The cramped studio is an unlikely home for a budding millionaire, but the 24-year-old’s gaming prowess – mixed with quick-witted commentary and high-school humour – has resulted in his income climbing to about US$50,000 a month.
That puts him well into the top 1 per cent of earners in South Korea, but has not affected his lifestyle.
“I’m not really into cars or spending lots of money,” said Kim, who eats, sleeps, washes and works in the small space. “My mum manages all my income so I never have a lot of money on me.”
Live-streamers, known as “Broadcast Jockeys” or BJs in South Korea, are hard-wired to the digital infrastructure of youth culture. They entertain for hours with an interactive mishmash of chat, gaming, dance, music, eating, getting drunk or even just sleeping.