Netflix holds on to 300 million won prize due to 'The Influencer' winner leaking result

Netflix Korea decided not to award 300 million won ($224,000) in prize money to YouTuber Oking, who won Netflix’s competition show “The Influencer,” after he leaked news of his victory before the show’s last episode.

YouTuber Oking [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Netflix Korea decided not to award 300 million won ($224,000) in prize money to YouTuber Oking, who won Netflix’s competition show “The Influencer,” after he leaked news of his victory before the show’s last episode aired on Aug. 13, according to local news reports.

The show’s result was leaked in May during a public dispute between the YouTuber and the former CEO of blockchain platform Winnerz, surnamed Choi, prior to the show's release. Oking was also listed as the platform's board director. The dispute started with Oking denying any connection to the allegations that Winnerz conducted illegal activities while issuing its own cryptocurrency, Winnerz Coin. The YouTuber additionally claimed that he was also a victim in the situation.

Regarding Oking’s claim, Choi posted on his Instagram in May, saying, "Oking and a friend came over to my house on Jan. 31, and he told me he was the winner of 'The Influencer' and that the information must not be leaked. If it was leaked, there would be a penalty for breaking the confidentiality agreement."

The streaming company said that it edited Oking's appearances in the show as much as possible after the allegations arose.

“To maintain the program's credibility and fairness among the participants, the prize will not be awarded to the winner of 'The Influencer' who violated the confidentiality obligations stated in the appearance contract,” Netflix said Wednesday.

"Maintaining confidentiality about a show before its release is a crucial measure, ensuring the hard work and efforts of everyone involved in creating and fully delivering the show's enjoyment to the audience,” the streaming platform added.

“Such a measure is a promise made between the staff and participants who wish for the show’s success.”

Oking was accused in February of being involved in cryptocurrency fraud together with Winnerz.

“The Influencer,” produced by Lee Jae-seok, is a social reality survival show featuring 77 influencers, including actor Jang Keun-suk, YouTubers Pani Bottle, Risabae and Oking. The influencers compete to prove their value and worth to determine who has the most influence. It was first released on Aug. 6.

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]