'First-Gen Internet Broadcaster' Kim Eve Resumes Activities Following Prison Sentence: "I Had a Hard Time for Various Reasons"

First-generation internet broadcaster Kim Eve (real name Kim So-jin) has announced her return to activities via YouTube after a long hiatus.

On the 23rd, Kim Eve shared the news of her return through her social media, saying, "I have reopened my account, which had been set to private for 4 to 5 years. There are not many photos, but I am going to try again now."

She continued, "I was broadcasting on Panda TV for a few years and went through a difficult time due to various circumstances. I created a new account to try broadcasting on YouTube." Her first live broadcast is scheduled to take place at 10:30 PM on the 24th.

Born in 1983, Kim Eve gained immense popularity during the early days of AfreecaTV, establishing herself as a representative figure among first-generation female internet broadcasters. She is considered one of the representative internet broadcasters who led the heyday of internet broadcasting with her unique talk skills and communication abilities.

However, she became embroiled in controversies surrounding financial issues starting in 2021. Handed over to trial on charges of fraud related to debt, Kim Eve was sentenced to 10 months in prison in the first trial in 2022, and 8 months in prison in the appellate trial. Her prison sentence was finalized after her appeal was dismissed.

Sharing her recent status after about two years through the Panda TV bulletin board this February, Kim Eve stated, "I have been reflecting on my complacent past days while experiencing situations I never thought I would face, and I am preparing to return to broadcasting in early March." At the time, she expressed her determination to return by saying, "Thank you to those who waited. I will change my ID and start over."

Choosing YouTube as her new stage for activities this time, Kim Eve signaled a fresh start, saying, "I will meet viewers on YouTube from now on."

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)