The new social survival show "The Influencer," recently launched by Netflix, has quickly risen to global fame, securing the 4th spot on the Netflix Global TOP 10 TV Shows (Non-English) and maintaining the 1st position in South Korea's TOP 10 series.

"The Influencer" pits 77 of South Korea's top influencers against each other to see who can wield the most influence. Since its premiere on August 6 KST, the show has consistently ranked as the number one series in South Korea and has gained international attention by breaking into the global TOP 10.

The show’s finale, released on August 13, was full of surprises, particularly in the third round where influencers had to capture the attention of 100 judges to survive. This round, centered on the idea that "attention equals survival," resonated with viewers and was praised for its use of advanced eye-tracking technology, which added a new layer of excitement.

PD Lee Jaeseok praised the 77 influencers, stating, "They were always diligent, full of energy, and focused solely on the goal. Their passion, effort, and sincerity shone through." PD Son Su Jeong also expressed admiration, saying, "Every participant gave their best in each round. These influencers are like directors, preparing extensively, which often surprised us during filming. I hope everyone enjoys what we've prepared over the past year."

Much of the recent attention around the show has centered on influencer Seyeon, whose unexpected encounter with HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk in LA sparked widespread interest. Seyeon, born in 2000 and currently 24 years old, is known for her glamorous figure and bold, sexy content across various platforms including YouTube and TikTok, where she boasts around 320,000 subscribers. Her appearance on the YouTube channel "Noppakku Tak Jaehoon" revealed that her annual income reaches 3 billion KRW, solidifying her status as a top-tier BJ in South Korea.

Seyeon became the center of attention after a YouTube channel posted footage of her walking with Bang Si Hyuk in Beverly Hills. Dressed in a revealing black top and micro mini skirt, Seyeon was seen strolling alongside Bang, with her sister also in attendance. The video showed Bang addressing the camera, asking, "Are they filming us?" which fueled speculation about their relationship, especially given the 28-year age difference between Seyeon and Bang, who was born in 1972.

In response to the growing scandal, HYBE clarified that the meeting was purely coincidental. They explained that Bang had met Seyeon’s sister at a gathering and had offered advice on dealing with impersonators in the entertainment industry. Later, when the sisters were in LA, they contacted Bang for restaurant recommendations, leading to the shared outing.

Seyeon herself addressed the situation in a live broadcast on August 11, wearing the same outfit from the LA encounter, demonstrating her resilience and humor. She explained that her sister had asked Bang Si Hyuk for help after encountering a scammer pretending to be from HYBE, which led to the meeting. She emphasized that their encounter in LA was purely coincidental and that Bang Si Hyuk had simply assisted with restaurant reservations. Seyeon also clarified a photo showing Bang taking a picture of her sister, explaining that it happened while she was in the restroom and that Bang was kindly helping with the photo composition.

This incident aligns perfectly with the theme of "The Influencer," where "attention equals survival." The show saw a surge in viewers after the controversy, helping it maintain its top spot in South Korea’s series rankings and continue its streak of success.

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