A Korean livestreamer was found dead on a mountain after meeting with a longtime VIP donor who police say strangled her following an argument. The suspect has been arrested.
The victim, Yoon Ji-ah a Korean streamer, was killed by a man in his 50s surnamed Choi. Choi had donated approximately 100m won—roughly $70,000—to Yoon’s streams over time, earning VIP status in her community.
According to reports from Korean outlets including Chosun Biz, Choi told Yoon he was the CEO of an IT company. He leveraged his VIP donor status to convince her to enter a business partnership aimed at growing her streaming career.
Later reporting revealed Choi was not what he claimed. He was deeply in debt and his home had been seized in a forced auction.
The partnership quickly deteriorated. Choi allegedly imposed controlling schedules and made unreasonable demands. When Yoon attempted to sever ties due to his coercive behavior, the two agreed to meet in person.
During that meeting, an argument broke out. Police say Choi strangled Yoon in her car. Her body was later discovered on a mountain. Choi was subsequently arrested and the case remains under investigation.
This case highlights risks within streaming’s donation-based economy. VIP or “whale” donors—those who give large amounts—often gain special access and recognition from creators. Many platforms allow tiered donation systems that confer status and perceived closeness.
This access can create power imbalances. Large donors may feel entitled to influence or personal relationships beyond what creators intend. In this case, Choi allegedly used his financial support as leverage to push a business relationship Yoon never fully agreed to.
South Korea passed the Act on the Punishment of Stalking Crimes in 2021 and has strengthened it since, but enforcement depends on victims reporting incidents and meeting evidentiary thresholds.
