A Korean influencer living in the Philippines has sparked widespread outrage after videos surfaced showing him buying and drinking breast milk from local mothers.
The controversy came to light on 9 May 2025 when JTBC News, a South Korean television network with over 4.5 million social media followers, broadcast an exposé on its investigative programme Crime Chief.
Controversial Content Sparks Public Outrage
The male influencer, whose identity remains undisclosed and who claims to have more than eight years of live-streaming experience, has allegedly uploaded more than 4,000 videos to his channel.
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Among these, over 30 videos specifically focus on breast milk transactions.
In these videos, the influencer approaches nursing mothers on the streets of the Philippines and offers them 500 pesos ($12) in exchange for their breast milk.
At times, he hands the money directly to the infants rather than their mothers.
The footage shows him consuming the milk on camera, often describing it as “fresh” and “healthy,” and sometimes even mixing it with alcohol for mukbang content.
The videos also show the faces of the mothers and their children, which has further fuelled public anger.
Some viewers noted that the channel’s content has inspired others to try similar activities, with one user commenting, “It’s shameless.”
The channel also features other problematic videos, including mukbangs with young girls and drinking sessions with local women.
Influencer Defends Actions Amid Growing Criticism
When confronted by JTBC News, the influencer defended his actions by comparing himself to “Santa Claus” and claiming to help the local community through his videos.
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“I just wanted to support the mothers and their children by paying for the milk since they have no work there. I am like Santa Claus or a kind uncle who helps those in need. I am very popular in the Philippines,” he stated in the interview.
He denied any sexual intent behind his actions, explaining that he consumed breast milk for health reasons due to physical weakness. The influencer framed the controversy as a “cultural difference.”
Kim Eun-bae, former head of the International Criminal Investigation Unit at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, strongly condemned these justifications.
“Handing money to the child instead of the mother undermines the dignity of both the mother and their children. This behaviour risks encouraging further exploitation and damages South Korea’s image globally,” Kim said.
The case has triggered substantial online criticism. One observer wrote: “This is a complete joke, stop mocking and making fun of poor people.”
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Another added: “This is insane! I wonder if even a serial killer would dare to act this brazenly.”
Health experts point out that unregulated breast milk trading poses serious health risks, including the potential transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B, despite some traditional beliefs that human breast milk offers nourishment for people who are ill.
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