Will "Problematic YouTubers" Disappear from Bucheon Station? Bill Proposes Up to 1 Year in Prison

Proposed by Democratic Party Lawmaker Seo Youngseok

A bill has been proposed to impose penalties in the area around Bucheon Station on the Gyeongin Line in order to prevent indiscriminate and problematic broadcasts by YouTubers and internet streamers (BJs), including profanity, violence, drinking, and indecent exposure.

Seo Youngseok, a member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party of Korea and a member of the Health and Welfare Committee (representing Bucheon-gap, Gyeonggi Province), announced on November 11 that he had proposed a "Partial Amendment to the Criminal Act."

On September 29, a notice requesting to refrain from filming was posted at a store in Pinocchio Square near Bucheon Station. Photo by Yonhap News

Seo argued that the recent bizarre broadcasts by some YouTubers around Bucheon Station have caused significant inconvenience to residents and serious harm to local businesses, stressing the urgent need to establish a strong legal basis for severe punishment.

The proposed amendment stipulates that anyone who instills fear or anxiety in the public by using force in public places may be sentenced to up to one year in prison or detention, or fined up to 3 million won.

Under current law, problematic broadcasts by YouTubers are only subject to fines of up to 100,000 won under the Minor Offenses Act, which has repeatedly been criticized as being ineffective in preventing such crimes.

Seo emphasized, "The actions of those who profit while causing enormous harm to the entire community are destroying the fabric of society," adding, "Strict measures must be taken against acts that threaten the safety of local residents and public order."

On the 17th of last month, Mayor Jo Yong-ik of Bucheon and citizens conducted a street campaign to eradicate problematic YouTubers at Bucheon Station. Provided by Bucheon City

Recently, in the area around Bucheon Station on the Gyeongin Line, there have been a series of cases in which certain YouTubers and malicious BJs have caused discomfort and anxiety among citizens through profanity, violence, and indecent exposure. This trend has continued since some BJs' bizarre broadcasts gained popularity in 2022.

Meanwhile, Bucheon City has announced its intention to eradicate problematic YouTuber broadcasts, forming a "Bucheon Station Area Image Improvement Task Force" in September and implementing comprehensive measures in three areas: facility improvement, community cooperation, and institutional support.