Meet the Cast of 'The Influencer,' Netflix's New Korean Reality Show
Netflix's Korean reality show tests which social media stars are the most influential.
![A content creator (Sia Jiwoo) takes a selfie in a streaming room with a whiteboard, on Netflix's 'The Influencer.'](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Fj2DGSpjJxMhrngQJUcfQY-415-80.jpg)
Spoilers for season 1 of The Influencer ahead. Netflix's Korean reality show The Influencer asks just how far social media stars will really go for fame. Following the reality hits Single's Inferno, Physical: 100, and The Devil's Plan, the streaming giant has released a new show that answers the theme, "What if Squid Game but for viral fame?" This time, it's social media influencers that come under scrutiny, as they go through intense challenges to determine which of them is the most influential and win a 300 million won (about $220,000) grand prize.
Similar to Physical: 100's wide selection of athletes and sports stars, The Influencer has cast 77 content creators across platforms including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and AfreecaTV (South Korea's answer to Twitch). The eclectic cast ranges from dancers and beauticians to fortune-tellers and drag queens, competing to solve the debate of which platforms and genres require the most creativity and cunning. Below, read on to meet the stacked cast of the new Netflix reality show The Influencer, find out where to follow them, and see who made it as finalists.
Finalists
Jang Ji-sou
A post shared by 장 지수 (@jangjisou)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 1.19 million
Jang Ji-sou (formerly known as Quaddurup) is a YouTuber, media personality, and independent rapper. He's a regular on Korean survival shows, having previously appeared on Show Me the Money, Korea Chicken War, and Treasure Hunt.
Jang is a frontrunner from the start, thanks to his years of experience and popularity among his fellow influencers. He's a particular standout in the photo round, where he and Oking were the first to submit their posts every time, and the streaming round, where he attracted users by ranting about Netflix while on a Netflix show.
Oking
A post shared by Oking (@oking1025)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Follower Count: 1.57 million
Oh Byeong-min (a.k.a. Oking) is a streamer and YouTuber who focuses on gaming, outdoor videos, and mukbang. He has previous experience on variety shows before appearing on The Influencer, having appeared on Representatives, City Fisherman, and Smiling Boss.
Oking was another frontrunner as a long-time YouTuber who's very popular among the MZ generation (the combined audience of millennials and Gen Z). He especially showed off his skill and appeal in the Hashtag game and the final round, where he gathered the largest crowds despite the stiff competition. (Spoiler alert!) Inevitably, after four rounds of intense challenges, the vetran YouTuber won over a live studio audience to become season 1's winner.
PaniBottle
A post shared by 빠니보틀 (@panibottle_official)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 2.29 million
Park Jae-han (a.k.a. PaniBottle) is a travel YouTuber and media personality who began his channel in 2015. He has appeared on variety shows including Adventure by Accident and World Dice Tour.
PaniBottle was a standout on The Influencer since the first episodes when he eventually figured out the likes/dislikes rule for Round One. He also stood out during the Hashtag game, where he even jumped on the console to prove himself as an attention seeker.
Risabae
A post shared by " 메이크업아티스트 이사배 " (@risabae_art)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 2.26 million
Risabae is a former professional makeup artist who started her YouTube channel focused on makeup tutorials in 2015. She's also the founder of the beauty brand Two Slash Four, and she debuted as a K-pop soloist in 2018. Recently, she went globally viral for her makeup video with Stray Kids member Felix.
Risabae was immediately a standout contestant, who was popular among the other influencers and garnered respect as a first-generation creator. She truly showed her skill in identifying trends and relating to her fans in the final round, where she invited fellow influencer and dancer Aiki to join her.
Eliminated
Bbogumi
A post shared by 뽀구미 (@bbo9_me)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 598,000
Bbogumi is a streamer and YouTuber who focuses on comedy and lifestyle content. She's best known for her viral videos and her teasing relationship with her fans, whom she often provokes by being annoying.
CaddieWanny
A post shared by 캐디와니🔻 (YANG SEUNGWAN) (@wanny_golf)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 61,000
Yang Seung-wan (a.k.a. CaddieWanny) is a golf YouTuber who specializes in tutorials and vlogs. He stood out during Round One, when he began threatening to dislike contestants who didn't like his intro video.
Chahong
A post shared by CHAHONG ACADEMY 차홍아카데미 (@chahong.academy)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 486,000
Chahong is a renowned hairstylist who has built an empire off hair and beauty. She owns 23 hair salons and runs a self-titled haircare line, in addition to an online cosmetology academy. Per her intro, she was previously recognized as one of the world's top 10 stylists by L'Oreal Professional Paris.
Changhyun
A post shared by 이창현 (창현거리노래방) (@lee.chang.hyun)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 2.3 million
Lee Chang-hyun is a long-time streamer and YouTuber, who's best known for his mukbang videos. He currently runs the YouTube channel StreetKaraoke.
DaeDo
A post shared by 대도서관 (@buzzbean11)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 1.48 million
DaeDo is a gaming YouTuber and streamer who's considered part of the first generation of Korean YouTubers. Per his intro, he started his online career 13 years ago.
DoHwaDore
A post shared by 도화도르 | 사주팔자 쉽게 풀어주는 남자 (@dohwadore_life_reader)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 201,000
DoHwaDore is a YouTuber who specializes in saju, Korean fortune-telling which is based on the four "pillars" of a person's birth: date, year, time, and place.
Gato
A post shared by 가토 GATO (@gato_0901)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: TikTok
Follower Count: 5.2 million
Gato is a TikToker who focuses on challenge and cosplay content.
Gvan Queen
A post shared by GVAN QUEEN (@g._van)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: TikTok
Follower Count: 1.1 million
Gvan is a drag artist and content creator who makes both short- and long-form content about drag, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. He also performs live drag shows in Seoul. Per his intro, "As an openly queer influencer, I believe that everything I do can encourage others in the same scene as me."
Heo Seong-beom
A post shared by 허성범 (Horang) (@horang.wave)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: Instagram
Follower Count: 1.1 million
Heo Seong-beom is a model and student at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), who rose to fame after his YouTube calculus tutorial went viral. In addition to The Influencer, he also appeared on the survival show College War.
Jang Keun-suk
A post shared by 장근석 Jang Keun-suk (@_asia_prince_jks)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: Instagram
Follower Count: 656,000
Jang Keun-suk is an actor, singer, and model who's known as "the Prince of Asia." Since the late 2000s, he starred in hit K-dramas including You're Beautiful, Mary Stayed Out All Night, Love Rain, A Korean Odyssey, and Decoy. He also debuted as a singer in Japan in 2011.
Despite being a rookie influencer who started his own YouTube channel in early 2023, Jang was a standout player throughout The Influencer, as his celebrity knowledge helped him catch on to certain game trends easily.
Jin Yong-jin
A post shared by 진용진 (@jinyongjin92)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 2.68 million
Jin Yong-jin began his YouTube channel in 2014 and then debuted as a rapper in 2018. Around 2020 he began working as a film and web-series director, and he's collaborated with celebrities including Yoo Jae-suk, Ji Seok-jin, and Chuu. He also produced the web variety show Money Game, and his experience running his own shows came in handy as he unraveled the intentions of The Influencer's game rules.
Juice Seyeon
A post shared by 과즙세연(인세연) (@lovely_._v)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: AfreecaTV
Follower Count: 159,000
Juice Seyeon is a streamer on AfreecaTV who focuses on dancing, fashion, and sexy content. According to her intro, she's one of the top three creators on the platform. She is a main contestant throughout the show, as her skills and knowledge of her audience propels her all the way to Round 4.
Jung-hyun
A post shared by 정현 (@konanhihi)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: Instagram
Follower Count: 212,000
Lee Jung-hyun is a hair and makeup artist who rose to fame after starring in the first season of the Korean gay dating show His Man. He now focuses on live-streaming and YouTube.
Jung Jiwoo
Main Platform: Instagram
Follower Count: 10.7 million
Jung Jiwoo (a.k.a. Mejiwoo) is a YouTuber and entrepreneur, who runs several brands as a brand director and CEO, per her intro. Some of her businesses include the fashion company AJ Look, the e-commerce site Mejiwoo, and the eyewear brand Fun the Mental. In addition to her work in fashion and beauty, she's also well-known as the sister of BTS member J-Hope (a.k.a. Jung Ho-seok).
Junwoo
A post shared by 이우준 (준우) (@woojun_l)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 1.31 million
Lee Woo-jun (best known as Junwoo) is a streamer and YouTuber who became well-known for giving viewers advice based on their messages on KakaoTalk (a Korean instant messenger similar to WhatsApp).
Katie
A post shared by 무당•연꽃금화선녀 신소현 (@iamkatiecutie)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: Instagram
Follower Count: 50,600
Katie is a shaman and fortune-teller who also posts lifestyle and makeup content.
Kejimin
A post shared by 박지민 (@d0d_x.e)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: TikTok
Follower Count: 11.8 million
Kejimin (real name Park Ji-min) is a TikToker who focuses on dancing, challenges, and taekwondo content. Her large TikTok following gives her an early advantage in the game, and she makes it all the way to Round Four.
Kerrigan May
A post shared by Kerrigan May (@kerriganmay)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 45,600
Kerrigan May is an independent rapper who debuted in 2019. She has appeared on variety shows including Show Me The Money, Drop the Bit, and Bed on the Beach.
Kim Ddolddol
A post shared by 김똘똘 DDOLDDOL (@k_banseok)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 301,000
Kim Ban-seok (a.k.a. Ddol Ddol) is a YouTuber who makes gay and LGBTQ+-themed lifestyle and travel content. He's also the co-host for season 2 of the YouTube series Hong Seok-cheon's Jewel Box.
Magenta
A post shared by 마젠타 (@magenta_6262)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: Instagram
Follower Count: 602,000
Magenta is a Twitch streamer who focuses on dancing, singing, and daily communication. She is also the bassist for the Korean band QWER.
MyBoo
A post shared by MyBoo Cosplay(마이부 코스프레) (@myboo_cosplay)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 360,000
MyBoo is a cosplay artist who's known as "the cosplay champion of Korea" among her fellow contestants. She is the most popular cosplay creator in the country, and she has been a model for video games.
NeedMoreCash
A post shared by 차청일 (@needmorecash_vdbh)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: TikTok
Follower Count: 487,400
Park Ji-min (a.k.a. NeedMoreCash) is a short-form video creator and comedian who became viral with his alter-egos. In addition to the silent blue-suited character he appears with on The Influencer, he and fellow comedian Tanaka also started the "Jaljayo Agassi" trend.
Pyo Eun-ji
A post shared by 표은지 Eunji Pyo ピョ・ウンジ🍎 (@pyoapple)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 1.99 million
Pyo Eun-ji is a model and YouTuber popular in both Japan and Korea. She describes herself as "someone who feels like a girl next door, but mainly makes sexy content." Also, she previously majored in accounting in the U.S. and worked at an investment firm.
Queen Wa$abii
A post shared by Queen WA$ABII🧑🏼🎤퀸와사비 (@queenwasabii_official)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: Instagram
Follower Count: 165,000
Kim So-hee (a.k.a. Queen Wa$abii) is an independent rapper and DJ who debuted in 2019, and who previously appeared on the music competition shows Good Girl and Show Me the Money.
Qyoung
A post shared by 패션뷰티 큐영Qyoung (@qyoungwoo)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 189,000
Qyoung is a fashion and beauty YouTuber who mainly makes vlog content. Per his intro, he "influences people to be artistic." Though he makes an eye-catching initial appearance, Qyoung doesn't get enough likes and dislikes to make it to Round 2.
Sherry
A post shared by ✨쉐리 𝓢𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓻𝔂✨ (@sherrylimc)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: TikTok
Follower Count: 2.3 million
Sherry is a TikToker and YouTuber who shares both short-form content and vlogs about her life as an international student in America. She recently graduated from Minerva University in San Francisco.
Shim Eu-ddeum
A post shared by 심으뜸 (@euddeume_)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 189,000
Shim Eudduem is a fitness YouTuber who should be familiar to Netflix fans. Before appearing on The Influencer, she was a contestant on Physical: 100 season 1, where she stood out for winning a bodyweight elimination challenge. Since then, she has appeared regularly on the Korean variety show Kick a Goal.
Sia Jiwoo
A post shared by 시아지우 (Sia Jiwoo) (@sia_jiwoo)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: TikTok
Follower Count: 27.3 million
Sia Jiwoo (real name Park Ji-woo) is a content creator and K-pop singer who made her solo debut in 2022. She was previously a member of the canceled girl group Delight, and she competed on the music show MIXNINE in 2017. Now she focuses on dancing, fashion, and beauty content. She stands out in The Influencer's first episodes as the contestant with the most followers.
Tarzan
A post shared by 호주타잔 (@jun_tarzan)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 181,000
Tarzan (real name Seok Hyun-jun) is a fitness and travel YouTuber who also previously appeared on Physical: 100 season 1. Before that, he appeared on the Korean dating show Love Alarm Clap! Clap! Clap!
WetBoy
A post shared by 웻보이 (@gagjinbeom)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: Instagram
Follower Count: 118,000
Yang Jin-beom (a.k.a. WetBoy) is a dancer, comedian, and short-form content creator. He often works with the comedy musical group Namolla Family, and he often does dance challenges with K-pop artists.
Youngalnam
A post shared by 영알남 (@youngalnam)
A photo posted by on
Main Platform: YouTube
Follower Count: 1.18 million
Young Al-nam is a YouTuber who focuses on the English language and culture, travel, and sports content. He graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in England with a degree in education.
Quinci is a Contributing Culture Editor who writes pieces and helps to strategize editorial content across TV, movies, music, theater, and pop culture. She contributes interviews with talent, as well as SEO content, features, and trend stories. She fell in love with storytelling at a young age, and eventually discovered her love for cultural criticism and amplifying awareness for underrepresented storytellers across the arts. She previously served as a weekend editor for Harper’s Bazaar, where she covered breaking news and live events for the brand’s website, and helped run the brand’s social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Her freelance writing has also appeared in outlets including HuffPost, The A.V. Club, Elle, Vulture, Salon, Teen Vogue, and others. Quinci earned her degree in English and Psychology from The University of New Mexico. She was a 2021 Eugene O’Neill Critics Institute fellow, and she is a member of the Television Critics Association. She is currently based in her hometown of Los Angeles. When she isn't writing or checking Twitter way too often, you can find her studying Korean while watching the latest K-drama, recommending her favorite shows and films to family and friends, or giving a concert performance while sitting in L.A. traffic.
-
Inside the Moment King Charles Was Addressed As "His Majesty" For the Very First Time After Queen Elizabeth's Death
"He had climbed into the car as both Prince of Wales and Duke of Rothesay...he would climb out of it as King Charles II."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Says Her Daring "Revenge Dress" Moment at 'Unstoppable' Premiere Almost Didn't Happen
"There was a discussion about whether I should or I shouldn't."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Taylor Swift Isn't Putting Away Her Sundresses Yet
The singer wore a cut-out Zimmermann dress you can still shop.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
What to Know About 'Selling Sunset' Season 8 Star Alanna Gold
Here's what to know about the latest realtor to join the Netflix hit.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Netflix's 'Midnight Sun' Series: Everything We Know About the 'Twilight' Animated Series
Hold on tight, spider monkeys.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
'The Perfect Couple' Ending Explained: Breaking Down Who Killed Merritt
Nicole Kidman and Meghann Fahy star in the murder mystery.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
What Happened on 'The Bachelorette' Finale: Here's What to Know About How Jenn Tran's Season Ended
The drama between Jenn, Devin, and Maria has made Bachelor Nation furious... at the producers.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
'Kaos' Season 2: Everything We Know
The Greek mythology-inspired series sets up a truly epic second installment.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Your Guide to the Cast of Netflix's 'Kaos'
The gods are real, and Jeff Goldblum is the king of them all.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
'Outer Banks' Season 4: Everything We Know
Here's everything we know about the action-packed teen series' return.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Who Is in 'The Accident' Cast? What to Know About the Actors in the Hit Netflix Series
Here's where you've seen the stars of this Mexican thriller before.
By Quinci LeGardye Published