[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Mukbang YouTuber Banzz has suddenly announced a hiatus from activities. Netizens' reactions to the news are mixed.
On the 31st of last month, Banzz wrote, "Starting from the upload of this video on December 31, 2020, I plan to take a break from YouTube activities for a while," adding, "I cannot say when I will return."
He continued, "I sincerely thank the subscribers who have enjoyed my broadcasts and YouTube content."
As a first-generation mukbang broadcaster who had been actively working, his sudden retirement news sparked various speculations online.
One netizen commented on his video, "This is unexpected," and added, "I will support you until you come back." However, the majority responded with comments like, "You brought this on yourself," and "Are you trying to let this slide again? You should just retire. It's disappointing."
The criticism against him intensified starting in 2019. At that time, he was prosecuted and brought to trial on charges of false and exaggerated advertising, claiming that the health functional foods sold by his company 'Itforu' had special effects on fat reduction and dieting.
In the first trial, the prosecutor demanded a six-month prison sentence, but the court sentenced him to a fine of 5 million won. The court stated, "Considering the defendant's activities and broadcast content, products characterized as diet supplements inevitably have a significant impact on consumers." Banzz appealed, but the court dismissed the appeal.
However, after being fined, Banzz questioned the ruling on his SNS, saying, "The advertisement was posted on the company's SNS based on posts written by actual product users, so it requires more consideration as to why this is punishable." He returned to internet personal broadcasting in August 2019, about one year and two months later.
Netizens' reactions were cold. His subscribers, previously 3.2 million, dropped to 2.28 million, and his views over the past seven days were about 500,000, averaging around 70,000 per day. He also had to leave entertainment programs such as JTBC's 'Lan Cable Life' where he was appearing.
One netizen speculated, "Banzz was more focused on excuses than reflection," adding, "His broadcasts became less entertaining than before, and since he did not receive good responses from netizens who had already turned away, he might have made this decision."
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