Netflix keeps 300 million won prize as winner of 'The Influencer' leaks result

YouTuber Oking [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Netflix Korea has decided not to pay YouTuber Oking, who won the Netflix competition show “The Influencer,” the 300 million won (US$224,000) prize money after he leaked news of his win before the show’s final episode aired on August 13, according to local news reports.

The result of the show was leaked in May during a public dispute between the YouTuber and the former CEO of blockchain platform Winnerz, surnamed Choi, before the show's release. Oking was also listed as a board member of the platform.

The dispute began with Oking denying any connection to the allegations that Winnerz was conducting illegal activities when issuing his own cryptocurrency, Winnerz Coin. The YouTuber also claimed that he was also a victim in the situation.

Regarding Oking's claim, Choi posted on Instagram in May: “Oking and a friend came to my house on January 31st and he told me he was the winner of 'The Influencer' and that the information should not be leaked. If it were leaked, there would be a penalty for breaching the confidentiality agreement.”

The streaming company said it edited Oking's appearances on the show as much as possible after the allegations became known.

“To maintain the credibility of the program and fairness among participants, the prize will not be awarded to any winner of 'The Influencer' who violates the confidentiality obligations set forth in the appearance agreement,” Netflix said on Wednesday.

“Maintaining the confidentiality of a show prior to its release is a critical measure to ensure that the hard work and efforts of everyone involved in creating and delivering the show to audiences are fully appreciated,” the streaming platform added.

“Such a measure is a promise between the staff and the participants who want the show to be a success.”

Oking was accused in February of being involved in cryptocurrency fraud alongside Winnerz.

“The Influencer,” produced by Lee Jae-seok, is a social reality survival show featuring 77 influencers, including actor Jang Keun-suk and YouTubers Pani Bottle, Risabae and Oking. The influencers compete to prove their worth and importance and determine who has the most influence. It first aired on August 6.

BY KIM JI-YE [[email protected]]