Sun
China- Tragic End for Chinese Vlogger
- Quest for Attention
- Rise of Extreme Content
- Wu Yongning's Fatal Fall
- Government's Crackdown
- Industry Growth
Tragic End for Chinese Vlogger
On July 18, Chinese vlogger Mr. Sun passed away during a livestream after consuming poisonous centipedes and geckos. The 35-year-old was found unresponsive in his Hefei apartment by his girlfriend. Sun, who had amassed 15,000 followers on DouYu, a popular Chinese streaming platform, often streamed himself ingesting dangerous creatures.
Quest for Attention
In his pursuit of fame, Sun would spin a wheel of "delicacies" that included centipedes, geckons, mealworms, vinegar, eggs, beer, and baijiu (a strong Chinese alcoholic beverage). During his final livestream, Sun drank excessive amounts of alcohol while consuming the aforementioned creatures.
Rise of Extreme Content
Live streaming has become immensely popular in China, with many young individuals gaining online celebrity status and amassing wealth through their content. While some streamers opt for harmless activities like singing or dancing, others, like Sun, resort to dangerous stunts to attract viewers.
Wu Yongning's Fatal Fall
In November 2017, "China's First Rooftopper" Wu Yongning tragically died while filming a stunt on the 62nd floor of a skyscraper in Changsha. Known for scaling buildings without safety equipment, the 26-year-old had over a million social media followers.
Government's Crackdown
Concerned about the proliferation of inappropriate content, the Chinese government has been cracking down on streaming platforms with measures such as banning "seductive" banana eating on stream. In 2017 alone, 73 illegal broadcasts were shut down, and nearly 2,000 streamers were permanently banned.
Industry Growth
Despite the government's efforts, the Chinese streaming industry continues to boom, generating $4.4 billion in 2018. Approximately 20% of Chinese streamers earn over 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,400) per month. The tragic death of Mr. Sun serves as a cautionary tale about the lengths some individuals will go to for online fame.
