A Korean internet broadcaster was killed after being struck by a truck while live-streaming a cross-country cycling journey, police said Friday.
The accident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday on National Route 25 in Nakdong-myeon, Sangju, North Gyeongsang Province, in the direction from Daegu to Sangju. A 3.5-ton truck rear-ended a bicycle and an SUV escorting it in succession.
The streamer, identified only as A, a man in his 40s riding the bicycle, went into traumatic cardiac arrest and received emergency treatment from paramedics but ultimately passed away. The SUV driver, identified as B, sustained serious injuries.
A was known as a popular BJ (broadcast jockey) who had built his online presence based on his background as a former gang member. At the time of the accident, he was conducting a mission broadcast in which he attempted to cycle from Busan to Seoul within three days alongside his fans.
A had been streaming via his mobile phone, with approximately 150 viewers watching at the time of the accident, according to reports. The broadcast was also covering in real time the process of receiving a portion of revenue upon completing the mission.
Police believe the accident was caused by the truck driver's negligence and are investigating the exact circumstances based on dashcam footage and witness statements.
