Netflix canceled the award of 300 million won (about $224,000) prize to the winner of the Korean reality show “The Influencer” for breach of confidentiality.
“The Influencer” premiered on Netflix on Aug. 6 and ran for seven episodes.
In the show, 77 Korean social media influencers competed with each other through various challenges to claim the title of the greatest influencer.
"The Influencer" (Netflix)
Among the participants were Korean actor Jang Keun-suk (“You’re Beautiful”) and YouTuber Risabae.
“‘The Influencer’ boasts a diverse lineup, from first-generation YouTubers to globally popular Gen Z TikTokers. They will face various challenges based on themes of presence, reach and their ability to go viral, each aiming to be recognized as the greatest influencer. With 120 million followers combined across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and AfreecaTV, these online personalities will surely charm audiences,” according to Netflix.
The winner of “The Influencer” was YouTuber Oking (real name Oh Byeong-min), 30, who has 1.56 million subscribers on his channel.
However, Netflix canceled his 300 million won cash prize after it became known that he revealed to an acquaintance that he was the winner in January before the show aired.
Oking became embroiled in the cryptocurrency controversy involving platform Winnerz
In May, the former CEO of Winnerz, Choi Seung-jung, who was in dispute with Oking and a key figure in the cryptocurrency issue, posted on Instagram, "Oking and a friend came over to my house on Jan. 31, and he told me he was the winner of 'The Influencer' and that the information must not be leaked. If it was leaked, there would be a penalty for breaking the confidentiality agreement," according to the Korea JoongAng Daily.
Korean YouTuber Oking (Instagram)
As a result, Netflix said the prize money will not be awarded to Oking for his violation of the confidentiality agreement.
“To maintain the program's credibility and fairness among the participants, the prize will not be awarded to the winner of 'The Influencer' who violated the confidentiality obligations stated in the appearance contract,” said Netflix.
It added, “"Maintaining confidentiality about a show before its release is a crucial measure, ensuring the hard work and efforts of everyone involved in creating and fully delivering the show's enjoyment to the audience. Such a measure is a promise made between the staff and participants who wish for the show’s success.”