“My elementary-school-aged daughter sent a BJ 2 million won”: ‘Excel Broadcast’ draws in minors, parents outraged

[Financial News] A post saying that an elementary-school-aged daughter donated 2 million won to an internet broadcaster (BJ) has gone viral online, sparking debate over minors watching internet broadcasts and systems that allow large donations.
 
A post titled “My elementary-school-aged daughter sent 2 million won to an Excel Broadcast BJ” was uploaded to an online community on the 16th. The author, identified as A, described their distress: “I heard my elementary-school-aged daughter sent 2 million won to a male BJ on Excel Broadcast, and my hands are shaking so much I can barely write this properly.”
Excel Broadcast is an internet broadcast in which multiple BJs appear together, receive donations from viewers, and compete as their rankings are determined in real time based on the amounts donated. To receive donations, BJs call out donors’ usernames or respond with dances and various reactions.
A explained that their daughter kept sending money because she liked the BJ’s reactions. She repeatedly donated because the BJ called out her username and showed her attention. A lamented, “I asked my daughter, and she said she kept sending money because she liked the BJ calling out her username and reacting to her. I honestly don’t even know where to begin.”
A said, “I know my daughter was in the wrong, and of course I scolded her,” but added, “Two million won is no small amount. When I asked about a refund, they just kept saying it wasn’t possible under the rules and that I should report it to the police.” A also said, “Even after they explained what rules they meant, I couldn’t accept it. My stomach is turning as I check, one by one, how my daughter spent the money. Sending it took just a few taps, but now that I’m trying to get it back, I have to look into everything myself.”

After the story became known, online criticism continued over the very system that allows minors to make large donations. Critics point out that even elementary school students can access Excel Broadcast and donate large sums without going through any significant procedures.
Internet users reacted with comments such as, “It’s shocking in itself that elementary school students can watch Excel Broadcast,” “Is there really no age restriction on viewing?” and “Even if it’s charged to a phone bill, a system that lets a minor spend 2 million won makes no sense.”
Some internet users also shared their experiences, saying, “Recently, I saw a live Excel Broadcast recommended on YouTube even though I hadn’t searched for one.” Excel Broadcasts are reportedly easy to find these days not only on some internet broadcasting platforms but also on YouTube Live.
There are growing concerns that this broadcast format, which attracts donors’ attention and encourages repeated payments, could negatively affect viewers who are minors. Critics also say people should be alert to the risk of minors being indiscriminately exposed to provocative content or suffering financial losses from large donations, and that safeguards should be strengthened.
[email protected] Kim Hee-seon Reporter