Reported in Local Media... "National Embarrassment"
A Korean male YouTuber in Thailand was reported by local media for sexually harassing local women by pestering them during his broadcasts, prompting the Korean Embassy in Thailand to issue a warning.
A Thai news screen reporting on a Korean YouTuber who approached Thai women and conducted sexually harassing broadcasts. [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the 29th, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand posted a notice titled "Guidelines for Internet Personal Broadcasting and Related Precautions" on its website, stating, "Recently, there have been cases where our nationals caused disturbances by filming local pedestrians without permission during internet personal broadcasts in Thailand, which have been reported by both Thai and domestic media, requiring caution." The embassy warned, "Broadcast content involving street hunting of locals or visiting entertainment establishments during internet personal broadcasts can be problematic as it may be considered derogatory toward Thai people. Filming without consent may violate privacy and portrait rights and can be punishable under Thai law."
The embassy further urged, "Please also be aware that broadcasting videos related to marijuana in Thailand, which are widely disseminated or presented to others, may be punishable under the domestic 'Narcotics Control Act'." They added, "We ask all our nationals visiting or residing in Thailand to exercise special caution to avoid any disgraceful incidents that could damage the national dignity."
Recently, local Thai media Bright TV and others reported on a case involving a Korean male YouTuber who approached Thai women to film videos. This YouTuber, who identified himself as a 'Korean oppa,' conducted live broadcasts while hitting on Thai women on the street. The man persistently followed a woman, asking in simple English, "Can you spare a moment? How about a drink?" Even though the woman rejected him and tried to avoid the camera, he continued to approach her and eventually found out her social media account.
However, the woman is a well-known influencer with over 80,000 followers, and she posted a video on her SNS detailing the unpleasant experience she endured. The victim stated, "Despite expressing my refusal, the YouTuber approached me with the camera, which made me feel scared." She also said, "After checking his channel, I found rampant sexual harassment and molestation targeting Thai women," and warned, "Be cautious of Korean YouTubers."
As the controversy grew, online posts criticized the behavior of some Korean YouTubers who produce videos that sexualize Thai women. Korean residents in Thailand also expressed concerns, saying, "I'm worried that Thai people might develop negative feelings toward Koreans," "They are embarrassing all Koreans," and "As a fellow Korean, I feel truly ashamed."
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