A South Korean YouTuber in his 50s has died after ingesting a poisonous substance during a livestream, despite a viewer immediately contacting emergency services in an attempt to save him.
The incident happened at around 8:30 p.m. on July 18 while the creator was streaming from a vehicle near his home in Jaeun-myeon, Sinan County.
According to local outlet Newsis, the YouTuber had been arguing with a subscriber during the broadcast before indicating that he intended to consume a poisonous substance. A viewer watching the stream quickly called South Korea's 119 emergency service after realizing what was happening.
Paramedics found the creator in cardiac arrest and transported him to a hospital in Mokpo, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police investigating final livestream
Authorities have identified the creator only as "A," in line with South Korean privacy laws.
The YouTuber reportedly lived on the island with his family and ran a small channel focused mainly on casual conversations with viewers, according to Sports Khan.
Police have obtained a recording of the livestream and are reviewing the argument that took place before the incident, along with the events leading up to his death.
Officials have not released the creator's identity or the type of substance involved. Sinan Police Station said the investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the official cause of death.
The incident follows several high-profile deaths involving online creators in recent years. Earlier this year, a Philippine food influencer died after eating a toxic crustacean, while South Korea has also seen multiple cases involving streamers whose deaths attracted widespread public attention.