Statement by Cyber Sexual Violence Center Fuels Debate Over BJ’s Cosmetics Tie-In

Natural-ingredient derma cosmetics brand Sidmool has come under fire over a collaboration with internet broadcaster BJ Gwaujeub Seyeon, as a statement seen as defending the streamer spread online and fueled further debate.

On the 24th, the statement by the Korea Cyber Sexual Violence Response Center, known as Hansaseong, was widely shared on online communities and social media. Titled “We Reject the Divide Between ‘Aboveground’ and ‘Underground,’” it criticized attacks on female BJ streamers and the social stigma surrounding them.

Hansaseong said similar controversies have repeated, citing cases in which criticism spread against a female BJ who partnered with a cosmetics brand and a company later issued an apology. It also pointed to past instances in which TV appearances or brand collaborations were canceled after complaints, arguing that certain content creators face a social “label.”

The group said there is a perception that women who earn money using sexual expression should “stay underground,” calling it a discriminatory standard that divides what is considered normal and abnormal. “It is a problem to rank women by their sexuality,” it said, adding that such views “can lead to secondary harm” against victims of sexual violence.

It also argued that demanding certain people be excluded from society and remain out of sight amounts to hatred, and said women of diverse backgrounds should be able to participate in society on equal terms.

The statement also drew substantial criticism online. Some users said labeling all criticism of profiting from sexual content as hatred goes too far, while others argued it is a logical leap to frame issues of free expression and market choice solely as discrimination.

Other commenters said it is inappropriate to place debates over social acceptance on the same level as issues involving victims of sexual violence, and questioned interpreting corporate marketing decisions and consumer reactions as “exclusion.”

Founded in 2017, the Korea Cyber Sexual Violence Response Center is a group that promotes women’s rights and focuses on opposing illegal filming and requesting takedowns. It is not known to be a government agency, and it has previously defended Megalia and Womad.




* This article has been translated by AI.

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