Africa, Shedding the 'Yeocam Private Broadcast' Image... From BJ to Streamer After 18 Years

On the 15th, 'AfrikaTV' Changed to 'SOOP'
'BJ' Term Also Disappears Along with 'AfrikaTV'
Existing Homepage and Logo Revamped That Morning

Excel broadcast that sparked controversy over sexual objectification.
[Photo by Commander Zico, YouTube video capture]

The personal broadcasting platform AfreecaTV has changed its service name to 'SOOP' after 18 years since its official launch. This is interpreted as an effort to renew its negative image caused by controversies such as the sexual content issues involving some BJs.

On the 15th, SOOP announced through its official website, "Along with changing the platform name from AfreecaTV to SOOP, we are undertaking a brand overhaul." SOOP carries the meaning of a free space where anyone can communicate through content anytime and anywhere, like a 'forest' that encompasses all components.

The term 'BJ,' previously used to refer to internet broadcasters on AfreecaTV, has been changed to 'streamer,' and 'broadcast station' has been changed to 'channel.' However, the name of the cash-type item viewers send to BJs, 'Star Balloon,' remains unchanged.

Excel broadcast that sparked controversy over sexual objectification.
[Photo by Commander Zico, YouTube video capture]

Recently, AfreecaTV faced controversy over so-called 'Excel broadcasts,' where guest BJs dance and the sponsorship amounts are listed as if organized in an Excel file, which has been criticized for promoting sexual commodification. As Excel broadcasts became more active, the distribution amount AfreecaTV gives to BJs also significantly increased. According to data received from AfreecaTV by Park Chung-kwon, a member of the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee from the People Power Party, AfreecaTV paid a total of 65.6 billion KRW to the top 10 BJs in Star Balloons last year.

Meanwhile, Jung Chan-yong, CEO of AfreecaTV, is scheduled to attend the comprehensive National Assembly inspection by the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee starting on the 24th to respond to incidents involving affiliated streamers, viewer gambling inducement, and youth gambling issues.