A notice urging people to refrain from filming is posted on a shop in Pinocchio Square near Bucheon Station (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Korea Bizwire) — A South Korean lawmaker has proposed a bill to punish so-called “extreme YouTubers” whose disruptive live broadcasts in public spaces have sparked growing complaints from residents and businesses.
Rep. Seo Young-seok of the Democratic Party announced Monday that he had introduced a revision to the Criminal Act that would criminalize certain acts by malicious YouTubers, streamers, and online broadcasters who cause fear, anxiety, or disturbance in public areas.
Under current law, such activities are punishable only by fines of up to 100,000 won (about $70) under the Minor Offenses Act—an amount critics say has done little to deter offenders seeking viral fame and ad revenue.
The proposed bill would impose up to one year in prison or fines of up to 3 million won ($2,200) for those who use “threatening behavior” in public spaces to create fear or distress among the public.
Seo cited recent incidents near Bucheon Station, west of Seoul, where several YouTubers have filmed bizarre or aggressive stunts that have disrupted local businesses and caused distress to residents. “These individuals profit by damaging their communities,” he said. “There must be strict social accountability for those who undermine public safety and order.”
Bucheon city officials have already launched a special task force to restore the station area’s image, implementing measures to improve facilities, strengthen community cooperation, and explore legal restrictions to curb such broadcasts.
