Na Dong-hyun, a popular South Korean YouTuber known as Dae Library, was found dead in his Seoul home on Saturday, just two days after he complained of sleep deprivation during a marathon livestream, police said.
Officers were dispatched after friends reported he had failed to meet them; authorities said they found no signs of foul play and no suicide note. Police told reporters they are investigating the possibility that a pre-existing medical condition may have contributed to his death.
Two days before his body was discovered, Na told followers during a livestream that he had slept very little while attending Seoul Fashion Week, saying he had managed about three hours of sleep after hair and makeup. His final broadcast ran for more than five hours, during which he spoke with viewers and played games. The streamer, 46, had more than 1.4 million YouTube subscribers and had posted on the platform since 2010.
Na rose to prominence domestically for his livestreams and video content, which attracted a large audience across South Korea. He married fellow influencer Yumdeng in 2015; the pair separated in 2023. Friends and members of the online community alerted authorities when he did not show up for scheduled meetings, prompting the welfare check that led to the discovery of his death.
The case has drawn attention as part of a string of high-profile deaths among online streamers and influencers in recent months, highlighting concerns about the physical and mental toll of continuous live broadcasting. In August, French streamer Raphael Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, was found dead in a residence near Nice after days of livestreamed humiliation; French prosecutors later said medical examiners had found no evidence that his death was traumatic in origin.
In that case, authorities noted bruises and healed lesions but said forensic doctors found no internal or external traumatic injuries or burns. Two other streamers who appeared in the videos were identified by investigators; French prosecutors have publicly described their findings while continuing inquiries.
South Korean police said their investigation into Na's death is ongoing. They did not immediately release details about any medical examinations or whether an autopsy had been scheduled. Representatives for Na did not respond to requests for comment.
The deaths have prompted renewed debate about streamer safety, the responsibilities of platforms, and the pressures creators face to maintain long, monetized broadcasts. Officials and industry figures in several countries have called for better safeguards and clearer guidance for live broadcasters, but regulatory approaches vary.
As investigators in Seoul continue their work, Na's online channels remained accessible, with fans posting condolences and memories of his broadcasts. Authorities asked anyone with information about his final movements or health to come forward as they seek to establish a full timeline leading up to his death.