South Korean influencer Yoon Ji-ah, who dreamed of becoming an actress, was found dead on a mountainside just 30 minutes after ending a live stream — allegedly killed by her top donor.
The 25-year-old, who had nearly 300,000 followers on TikTok, was reported missing after livestreaming on Yeongjong Island in Incheon on September 11.
According to SBS’s Curious Story Y, which aired last Friday (Oct 3), Yoon’s body was discovered three days later on a mountainside in Muju, North Jeolla Province.
The prime suspect, a man in his fifties surnamed Choi, allegedly posed as an “IT company CEO” and approached Yoon with false promises of business and career opportunities.
To gain her trust, Choi showered her with virtual gifts during her streams — worth more than 100 million won (about HK$550,000) — earning him VIP status on the streaming platform.
However, investigations later revealed that Choi was heavily in debt and that his house was facing a compulsory auction.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed Choi kneeling before Yoon the day before her death, pleading with her to reconsider ending their partnership.
Authorities believe that Choi’s financial distress and his failed attempt to pursue a personal relationship with Yoon may have triggered the fatal attack.
Local media have described the case as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking behind virtual generosity, where online admiration can spiral into obsession, and financial illusions often mask deeper emotional and psychological turmoil.
