Actor Yoo Hae-jin Targeted by Far-Right Activists Outside Seoul Home
Far-right internet commentators Kim Sang-jin and Ahn Jung-kwon staged an on-site protest outside the Seoul residence of actor Yoo Hae-jin on October 4, drawing roughly 50 participants led by New Freedom Solidarity and Bellado, weekly.khan.co.kr reported. While multiple media outlets frequently label figures like Kim and Ahn as “extreme right YouTubers,” both commentators no longer operate official YouTube channels due to permanent bans enforced by the platform for targeted harassment and policy violations.
YouTube Bans and the Shift to Offline Rallies
The transition away from primary streaming platforms followed intense online attacks and coordinated offline protests that spilled into physical spaces. In June 2020, weekly.khan.co.kr published investigative reporting detailing how Ahn’s organization, GZSS, amassed substantial revenue through YouTube’s Super Chat feature, pulling in approximately 3302만원 during a single week while promoting aggressive demonstrations. After the publication targeted their activities, Ahn directed his broadcast audience to harass the reporting journalist, prompting YouTube to terminate GZSS channels on June 25, 2020, alongside Kim Sang-jin’s “Sangjin Ajae TV.” YouTube’s current policies strictly prohibit banned users from creating or operating alternative accounts.
Financial Incentives Behind Disruptive Protests
Despite losing their primary digital channels, the commentators bypassed platform restrictions by establishing independent streaming platforms, utilizing third-party channels, and shifting their core operations to physical street rallies. Conservatism-aligned critics have labeled these figures part of a “money faction” that prioritizes financial donations over political ideology. Data compiled during their peak streaming period demonstrated that hostile political commentary directly drives viewer engagement, which converts into direct bank account transfers, platform donations, and sustained crowd attendance during street demonstrations.
Protesters Demand Burger King Cancel Yoo Hae-Jin Contracts
Following the October 4 protest outside Yoo Hae-jin’s home, New Freedom Solidarity and Bellado shifted their demonstration site on October 7 to the headquarters of Burger King in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The groups demanded that the fast-food chain cancel its advertising contracts featuring the actor, connecting their protests to broader political grievances. Burger King representatives stated that their advertising campaign with Yoo concluded on its scheduled timeline and bore no relation to recent film controversies.
Why Kim Sang-Jin and Ahn Jung-Kwon Lost YouTube Channels?
Why are Kim Sang-jin and Ahn Jung-kwon no longer considered YouTubers?
Both commentators lost their personal channels due to permanent platform bans resulting from policy violations, targeted harassment campaigns, and doxxing attempts against journalists and families. They currently rely on independent web platforms, guest appearances on third-party channels, and physical street rallies to broadcast their message.
How much financial backing did these groups receive during their peak YouTube activity?
During a single week in June 2020, Ahn Jung-kwon’s GZSS team collected roughly 33 million won exclusively through YouTube’s Super Chat function, with cumulative Super Chat revenue reaching approximately 4억6385만원 before their channels were deleted.
What actions did Burger King take regarding the protests outside its headquarters?
Burger King officials stated that their advertising contract with actor Yoo Hae-jin ended according to its normal schedule and remained entirely separate from external controversies or protests staged by New Freedom Solidarity and Bellado.
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