Salppaejo faces unemployment as YouTube monetization is suspended

“I am the one whose revenue was cut, so I don't know why Tzuyang and Heebab are being dragged into this.” Mukbang YouTuber Salppaejo has spoken out regarding the controversy surrounding the suspension of YouTube monetization. Salppaejo sought to distance themselves from the perception that famous Mukbang YouTubers are being targeted as regulations on eating disorder-related content are strengthened.

Salppaejo, who has approximately 440,000 subscribers, announced via the channel community on the 18th that they are "in a state where monetization has been suspended." Salppaejo explained that as guidelines regarding binge eating and eating disorders have been strengthened, regulations are being applied to channels that upload related content, and they have even halted uploads because they are unsure which videos might be subject to sanctions.

On the 24th, Salppaejo released a video titled "The Mukbang YouTuber Who Lost Their Job in Just One Day." Using a signature sense of humor, Salppaejo explained the situation, saying, "Have you seen the news lately about Mukbang YouTubers having their revenue suspended? That person is me," adding, "I'm advertising to the whole neighborhood that I've become unemployed."

Regarding reports and online reactions mentioning Tzuyang and Heebab, Salppaejo said, "I am the one whose revenue was cut, so I don't know why Tzuyang and Heebab are being dragged into this." Salppaejo explained that simply eating a lot of food is not the core of the sanctions, but rather content that could induce eating disorders or encourage viewers to imitate them could be the problem.

Salppaejo revealed that their own past content was also affected. "About 4 to 5 years ago, I mainly uploaded videos of frequent dieting and binge eating," Salppaejo said. "Starting a few months ago, old videos were being deleted one by one without warning, and then suddenly, a notice of revenue suspension arrived." However, Salppaejo added that content involving simply eating a lot and enjoying food is not all being sanctioned, noting, "You probably don't need to be in a state of extreme tension."

Interest is growing as to whether a wind of change is blowing for large-scale Mukbang YouTubers as well. In a video released on the 21st, Tzuyang drew attention by saying, "Let's order moderately," while choosing snack food menu items, adding, "I hear eating a lot is not the trend these days." She continued, "I will become a YouTuber who eats moderately from now on."

While Mukbang has long been a signature popular content category on YouTube, the atmosphere suggests that changes in production methods are becoming inevitable alongside changes in platform policies. In particular, tension among creators is increasing as past content may also become subject to re-evaluation. However, some point out the need to distinguish whether sanctions are being imposed simply for the fact of "eating a lot," or if the core issue is content that has the potential to promote eating disorders or induce imitation, as Salppaejo explained.