SEOUL— A legislative measure has been introduced in the National Assembly to criminalize the provocative and disruptive behavior of certain online broadcasters, often dubbed "makjang (sensational/extreme) content creators," whose activities have recently intensified, particularly around Bucheon Station.

Representative Seo Young-seok (Democratic Party of Korea, Bucheon-Gap) announced today that he has put forward a Partial Amendment to the Criminal Act aimed at penalizing the broadcasting activities of malicious YouTubers, streamers, and BJs (broadcast jockeys).

Rep. Seo emphasized the urgency of establishing a strong legal foundation to punish these acts, stating that the sensational broadcasts by some creators are causing significant disruption to the daily lives of local residents and inflicting severe damage on the regional commercial district near Bucheon Station.

Critics have long pointed out that the current legal framework is insufficient. Under the existing Minor Offenses Act, these outrageous broadcasts can only be penalized with a fine of up to 100,000 KRW (approximately $75 USD), a sum considered too minor to serve as an effective deterrent.

The proposed amendment seeks to significantly increase the penalty. It stipulates that individuals who use intimidation or force in a public place to generate fear or anxiety among the public may be subject to imprisonment for up to one year, confinement, or a fine of up to 3 million KRW (approximately $2,250 USD).

The area around Bucheon Station has become a notorious spot for this phenomenon. Following the popularity of eccentric broadcasts by some BJs in 2022, content creators from various regions have converged on the station plaza, continuing a cycle of bizarre and extreme live streaming that has drawn continuous condemnation from both the community and local business owners.

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