Estimated Over 60 Billion KRW in AfricafTV's Q3 Star Balloon Sales
Overall BJ Star Balloon Earnings After Fees Estimated at 140 Billion KRW
Elementary Students' Top Future Dream: 'YouTuber·BJ'
AfricanTV broadcasters (BJs) are estimated to have received star balloons worth around 200 billion KRW in the last quarter. After deducting the average 30% commission taken by AfreecaTV, approximately 140 billion KRW is estimated to be the income earned by the BJs.
According to AfreecaTV's disclosure on the 31st, the company recorded consolidated sales of 87.9 billion KRW, operating profit of 21.9 billion KRW, and net profit of 19.3 billion KRW in the third quarter of this year. Compared to the same period last year, sales increased by 7.4%, operating profit by 6%, and net profit by 13.2%. The operating profit margin was 24.9%.
Platform sales, including star balloons, were recorded at 64.9 billion KRW, marking a 12.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Platform sales account for about 74% of total sales.
Platform sales are divided into ▲donation economy gifts such as star balloons and subscriptions ▲functional items such as Quick View, which are paid item products. Among these, sales from donation economy gifts like star balloons and subscriptions amounted to 62.5 billion KRW.
As of the second quarter, the number of active BJs regularly broadcasting on AfreecaTV was 13,739. Among them, 3,720 are Best or Partner BJs, and the scale of donation economy gifts they receive, including star balloons, accounts for 70.5% of AfreecaTV's total sales.
Best and Partner BJs receive preferential exchange rates for star balloons. The commission rates by grade are ▲General BJ 40% ▲Best BJ 30% ▲Partner BJ 20%.
To become a Best BJ under a partnership contract with AfreecaTV, one must meet conditions such as ▲broadcasting more than 500 hours ▲having more than 1,000 loyal viewers ▲broadcasting at least 60 days in the last three months.
Top BJ 'CommanderZico' Earned Approximately 2.4686 Billion KRW
In September, the BJ who received the most star balloons was 'CommanderZico.' According to the star balloon statistics site PungToday, he received 30,857,532 star balloons. The consumer price per star balloon is 111 KRW (including VAT).
'CommanderZico' is a Best and Partner BJ. If we simply calculate by applying a 20% commission and exchanging all star balloons, his income for September is approximately 2.4686 billion KRW. The total amount is expected to be somewhat lower after taxes are applied.
The total number of star balloons 'CommanderZico' received from July to September, corresponding to the third quarter, is estimated at 71,276,411. According to PungToday, he received 26,089,552 in July and 14,329,327 in August. The exchangeable amount after deducting commissions reaches about 5.7 billion KRW.
Among female BJs, 'Gamdongran' received the most star balloons in September, with 5,812,258 counted. In 2019, BJ 'Haekjji' received star balloons worth about 132 million KRW in a single day, and BJ 'Ellin,' formerly of the girl group 'Crayon Pop,' was noted for receiving star balloons worth about 800 million KRW from a single fan over one year and two months.
This estimate only accounts for star balloon income. Considering that AfreecaTV BJs generate income through various activities such as advertisements and sponsorships, it is estimated that they earn even more money.
Top 1% of Solo Media Creators Earn Over 700 Million KRW
Meanwhile, the annual average income of the top 1% of solo media creators exceeds 700 million KRW.
According to data on 'Solo Media Creators (YouTubers, BJs, etc.) Income Status' received by Yang Kyung-sook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, from the National Tax Service, the annual income of 342 media creators in the top 1% was an average of 713 million KRW per person. This is a 6.3% increase compared to the annual average income of the top 1% (27 people) in 2019, which was 671 million KRW.
However, the income gap among solo media creators is widening. Also, as of 2021, the average annual income of solo media creators was 25 million KRW, down 7 million KRW from 32 million KRW in 2019.
Meanwhile, the number of youths aspiring to become YouTubers or BJs is increasing. According to a 2023 survey on elementary school students' future career aspirations, YouTuber and BJ ranked first as the most desired future occupations. This is likely because many elementary students answered this way, considering the trendsetting nature and the high public interest these roles attract.
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