“Excel Broadcasting” is a type of livestream where multiple female streamers (referred to as BJs) participate. Viewers donate virtual currency (Star Balloons), and the selected streamer moves to the center to dance to an automatically played song. The ranking of the streamers based on the number of Star Balloons they receive is displayed in a table on the screen, which led to the name “Excel Broadcasting.”
The popularity of “Excel Broadcasting” skyrocketed after reports surfaced that a specific Excel broadcast had generated 400 billion KRW (approximately 300 million USD) in revenue.
While participating female streamers earn high revenues, many of them reportedly suffer from psychological distress. This is because they must create provocative content to attract more donations, and there is often a hierarchical system where top-earning streamers exert dominance over those who earn less. This power dynamic is frequently incorporated into broadcasts under the pretext of “after-work gatherings” or drinking sessions.
A tragic incident involving a streamer named Im Ji-hye brought significant attention to the negative aspects of “Excel Broadcasting.” On the day she participated in an after-party stream following an Excel broadcast, she attempted suicide and later passed away. Reports suggest that she had a conflict with another streamer who had received more donations, during which she was subjected to insulting and sexually humiliating remarks and actions.
Additionally, “Excel Broadcasting” has come under suspicion for money laundering and other illegal activities. Despite having a relatively small number of average viewers, some broadcasts reportedly receive donations worth 10 billion KRW (approximately 7.5 million USD) in a single day.
Recently, some streamers involved in “Excel Broadcasting” have been accused of tax evasion. Allegations suggest that they hide their earnings and manipulate their reported expenses to evade taxes.
Furthermore, a recent controversy arose when streamer Kwajuice Se-yeon (fruit juice Se-yeon), who had participated in an Excel broadcast, was spotted walking with HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. A video of the two together was uploaded to an overseas YouTube channel, sparking speculation and public debate.
