A fresh Korean reality TV show has just hit the airwaves, featuring the country’s biggest social media stars in a cutthroat competition. With a prize pool of 300 million won (around £171,663), the show, named *The Influencer*, is gaining attention for its intense and somewhat dystopian format.
In a setup reminiscent of *Big Brother*, the show kicks off with 77 social media creators. These contestants wear digital collars displaying their follower counts, which serve as a measure of their influence.
They must compete to prove their dominance until only one remains as the “final survivor.” *The Influencer* is now streaming on Netflix and has already drawn comparisons to dystopian classics like *Battle Royale* and *The Hunger Games*.
Who’s Competing?
The lineup features a mix of seasoned Korean YouTubers, such as Risabae, who boasts over 2.26 million subscribers on her makeup channel, and newer creators from platforms like TikTok, including Needmorecash with 487,500 followers.
Adding to the drama, actor and singer Jang Keun-suk, a well-known figure in the entertainment industry since 1997, is also a contestant. This has stirred some controversy, with other influencers questioning the fairness of including a star with an established career in the competition.
In the first episode, contestants make their grand entrance, each showcasing their digital collars. The collars’ follower counts are then translated into monetary values, creating a competitive environment where the most popular contestants are targeted. The total net marketing value of all participants is an impressive 400 billion won (around £229 million).
The show is structured in five rounds, with only 30 out of the original 77 contestants advancing past the first round.
Rising Tensions and Criticism
As the competition heats up, clear divisions emerge between traditional long-form creators and newer stars from TikTok and Instagram.
*The Guardian* rated the show three stars out of five, with Rebecca Nicholson noting that the social media format sometimes struggles to translate well into real-world interactions.
She observed that attention is often garnered through sensationalism rather than truth, reflecting a broader issue with online misinformation.
Viewer Reactions
Reactions from viewers have been mixed. Some find the concept intriguing, while others are skeptical. One viewer expressed shock, saying, “Dude, there is a show on Netflix called The Influencer that makes people wear collars with their social media follower numbers on them.
What the f**k?” Another sarcastically commented, “Sounds like a thrilling reality TV show! Who needs a crown when you can have the title of ‘Most Influential’? It’s like a modern-day Hunger Games, but with more selfies and fewer arrows.”
The Final Verdict
Some critics have labeled *The Influencer* as one of the most diabolical variety shows ever made, highlighting its extreme approach to testing human limits and self-worth.
One commenter even compared it to a human-auction-style game. Despite the criticism, the show’s mix of excitement and controversy is sure to keep viewers talking.
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