Pioneering Internet Broadcaster 'The Ddex' Passes Away; Colleagues Mourn Loss

The sudden passing of '1st generation Internet broadcaster' the late Ddex (Na Dong-hyun) has been met with profound grief and tributes from fellow streamers and acquaintances.

Kim Sung-hoe, who runs the 'G Sikbaekgwa' YouTube channel, visited the wake on the 7th and shared his condolences. He expressed deep respect for the deceased, acknowledging how Ddex paved the way for many in the world of game broadcasting. 'No path is a path until someone carves it out, often through hardship. Thanks to you, the path of game broadcasting exists,' he wrote, extending his final respects to the trailblazer.

The news of Ddex's death at the age of 46 broke on the 6th. An acquaintance reported him missing after he failed to show up for a scheduled meeting, leading authorities to his residence where he was found deceased. No suicide note or signs of foul play were reported at the scene.

Ddex began his broadcasting career as an AfreecaTV BJ in 2010 and became a prominent creator, operating a YouTube channel with 1.44 million subscribers. In an era saturated with provocative content, he significantly contributed to popularizing game content through his 'clean broadcasting' style, free of expletives, and is recognized as a pioneer who led the transition to the YouTube era.

Beyond internet broadcasting, Ddex expanded his reach into various entertainment programs on television, broadening his career as a broadcaster. He even received the Male Rookie Award in the Entertainment category at the 2018 Korea Culture Entertainment Awards. His untimely death has sent shockwaves not only through his fanbase but also among his fellow YouTubers.

Comedian and YouTuber Kim Dae-beom expressed his devastation, calling Ddex 'an incredibly kind and polite person' who often helped novice YouTubers without showing off his immense subscriber count. Drama and movie review YouTuber Gomong recalled Ddex as a 'big brother' figure who inspired his start in YouTube and offered support during difficult times. Lee Cheong-cheong, son of designer Lie Sang-bong, mourned the loss of his 'dear friend Dong-hyun,' while singer Harisu remembered their time together on the MBN show 'Voice Trot.'

It is known that Ddex had previously complained of heart-related pain during broadcasts. Police are investigating potential underlying health issues and plan to conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

The late Ddex began his broadcasting career as an AfreecaTV BJ in 2010, establishing a unique position in the game broadcasting scene.

He greatly contributed to popularizing game content by pursuing 'clean broadcasting' free from profanity.

His capabilities as a broadcaster were recognized when he won the Male Rookie Award in the Entertainment category at the 2018 Korea Culture Entertainment Awards.