Netflix's "Influencer" winner loses $180k prize for rule breach

Patience is a valuable trait in many situations, especially when no one is allowed to reveal that they are the winner of a Netflix show. Otherwise, the massive fortune might slip away. The protagonist of such a bizarre story is Oking, a YouTuber from South Korea.

The creator participated in the show "Influencer." It is a show in which participants compete for the title of the best influencer in South Korea. The program has been highly controversial from the start. Contestants had to perform in front of a camera with a digital collar that showed the increase or decrease in their social media followers. The result affected the market value of the influencers.

Seventy-seven participants took part in the competition. In the final showdown, 30 remained. From this group, YouTuber Oking emerged as the best creator. The prize for the influencer was not just the prestigious title but also a massive amount—300 million won, or over $180,000.

Netflix will not award the prize to the Korean. Oking broke the show's rules by publicly revealing that he won before the final episode premiered. The streaming service's strict decision spread through Korean media.

The reason why Netflix insisted on keeping the results secret is quite obvious. Knowing the winner's name poses a significant risk that a large number of viewers would skip the final episode. This would have a substantial impact on the viewership of the entire show. It is not yet known whether the streaming service will proceed with producing a second season of "Influencer."

"Maintaining confidentiality before the premiere of the program is a crucial measure that protects the hard work and efforts of all the people involved in creating and fully delivering entertainment to the viewers. This measure is a promise made by the staff and participants who strive for the success of the show," reports RadioZet, citing Korea JoongAng Daily.

Source: Radio Zet