What is "The Influencer" on Netflix?

"The Influencer" is a Korean social survival reality show on Netflix where 77 of South Korea's top influencers compete across a series of challenges to be crowned the ultimate influencer and win a grand prize of 300 million Korean won. Produced by Kakao Entertainment, it premiered on Netflix on August 6, 2024, and features prominent Korean creators across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and streaming platforms. The show has been described by viewers as "Influencer Squid Game" for its elimination format and high-stakes competition.

Who are the contestants in "The Influencer"?

"The Influencer" features prominent figures including Jang Keun Suk, Risabae, Pani Bottle, Shim Eu Ddeum, and DaeDo, alongside 31 other influencers and creators spanning beauty, fitness, mukbang, travel, gaming, cosplay, and entertainment niches. The full cast list with Instagram handles for each contestant and guest is available in the article above.

Who won "The Influencer" Season 1?

Veteran YouTuber Oking (Oh Byeong Min) won Season 1 of "The Influencer" after winning over a live studio audience in the final round. However, Netflix subsequently cancelled the prize money following a violation of the show's terms, one of the more notable post-show controversies in recent Korean reality TV history.

Is "The Influencer" worth watching?

"The Influencer" is worth watching if you enjoy Korean survival competition formats like "Physical: 100" or "Single's Inferno." The social strategy elements, where influencers must attract real public attention rather than just compete in physical tasks, make for a genuinely different format. The show has drawn comparisons to Squid Game for its elimination-based structure and high-stakes prize of 300 million won. The diverse cast of creators across very different content niches adds to the unpredictability.

Is there a Season 2 of "The Influencer" on Netflix?

As of August 2026 Netflix has not officially confirmed a Season 2 of "The Influencer." Given the show's strong initial performance, it ranked first on Netflix Korea from its release date and appeared in the top 10 across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan, a second season remains possible but unannounced.

How many episodes does "The Influencer" have?

"The Influencer" Season 1 consists of multiple episodes covering four rounds of competition, culminating in a live studio final where the winning influencer was determined by audience vote. Each episode runs approximately one hour. All episodes are available to stream on Netflix.

What platforms and content types are represented in "The Influencer" cast?

The cast of "The Influencer" represents a wide range of platforms and content categories. YouTube creators span beauty (Risabae), fitness (Shim Eu Ddeum, Bbulkup), travel (Pani Bottle), mukbang (Ssoyoung, Cham PD, Jobswa, Black White Review), comedy (Lee Seon Min), and gaming. TikTokers include Sia Jiwoo, who had the largest following of all contestants, Sherry, KEJIMIN, and Doctor Who. Streaming platform creators include Juice Se Yeon from Afreeca TV. Celebrity guests include actress Seor In A, singer Ailee, and international influencer Dasha Taran.

Meet 31+ Influencers & Celebrities Who Appeared on Netflix's "The Influencer" ft. Their Instagrams

Netflix has done it again, coming back with yet another addictive survival show that we can’t get enough of. This time, they have released The Influencer which is a show that gathers some of the top influencers in Korea and pins them against each other for a cash prize.

Curious about who exactly the The Influencer contestants are? Check out our list-up of the contestants and their celebrity/influencer guests.

If we’ve left anyone out, feel free to let us know in the comments!

Note: This list is in no particular order. We are still updating the list!

Contestants

1. Jang Keun Suk (장근석)

Jang Keun Suk is a K-pop idol known as ‘The Prince of Asia’.

Jang Keun Suk YouTube

2. Juice Se Yeon (과즙세연)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants juice se yeon — Netflix

Juice Se Yeon is a BJ streamer on Afreeca TV.

Juice Se Yeon Afreeca TV

3. Risabae (이사배)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants risabae — Netflix

Risabae is a beauty YouTuber famous for working with and recreating K-pop idols’ makeup such as Stray Kids’ Felix, BLACKPINK’s Jennie, and IVE’s Jang Won Young.

Risabae YouTube

4. Shim Eu Ddeum (심으뜸)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants shim eu ddeum — Netflix

Shim Eu Ddeum is a fitness YouTuber who is famous for her time on the Netflix survival show Physical 100.

Shim Eu Ddeum YouTube

5. Pani Bottle (빠니보틀)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants pani bottle — Netflix

Pani Bottle is a travel YouTuber famous for his appearance on the reality show Adventure by Accident alongside Kian84, Lee Si Eon, and DEX.

Pani Bottle YouTube

6. Heheonni (희희언니)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants heheonni — Netflix

Heheonni is a pianist and YouTuber.

Heheonni Instagram | Heheonni YouTube

7. Vvely (쁠리)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants vvely — Netflix

Vvely is a YouTuber.

Vvely Instagram | Vvely YouTube

8. Kim Woo Hyeon (김우현)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants kim woo hyeon — Netflix

Kim Woo Hyeon is a model and YouTuber.

Kim Woo Hyeon Instagram | Kim Woo Hyeon YouTube

9. Sia Jiwoo (시아지우)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants sia jiwoo — Netflix

Sia Jiwoo is a TikToker. She had the most followed out of all the contestants on the show.

Sia Jiwoo TikTok

10. Sherry (쉐리)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants sherry — Netflix

Sherry is a TikToker.

Sherry Instagram | Sherry TikTok

11. Kerrigan May (케리건메이)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants kerrigan may — Netflix

Kerrigan May is a rapper.

Kerrigan May Instagram | Kerrigan May YouTube

12. Bbulkup (뻘컵)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants bbulkup — Netflix

Bbulkup is a fitness YouTuber.

Bbulkup Instagram | Bbulkup YouTube

13. Chang Hyun (창현)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants chang hyun — Netflix

Chang Hyun is a street performance YouTuber.

Chang Hyun YouTube

14. Wetboy (웻보이)

Netflix korea the influencer contestants wetboy — Netflix

Wetboy is a social media personality who went viral for dancing in wet clothes, specifically a white button-down shirt and jeans with his signature long hair.

Wetboy Instagram