Streamer’s “NPC” Remarks Spark Online Firestorm
Online personality Ray, once celebrated as “Taiwan’s strongest high school student,” faces backlash after controversial comments made during a livestream ignited debate about online fame and responsible speech.
Sudden Rise to Fame
Ray’s ascent began with an encounter with American streamer Kai Cenat in Japan. His confidence, showcased by saying “God Did”
, caught Cenat’s attention, leading to multiple appearances on Cenat’s streams. His engaging personality transcended language barriers, quickly amassing a dedicated fanbase. Cenat even journeyed to Taiwan for Ray’s graduation, later offering him opportunities in the U.S.
From High School to International Stages
In the U.S., Ray encountered celebrities like Kim Kardashian, received basketball tips from NBA star Kyrie Irving, and competed against Dwight Howard. He also appeared in GQ and global Adidas ads, earning the moniker “The Light of Alternative Taiwan.”
Controversial Statements
However, Ray’s rising popularity has been shadowed by controversy. Remarks made on Logan Paul’s show, where he reportedly described “Taiwan is like shit”
and “everyone is like NPC”
, have drawn criticism. His comments about a football jersey on Kai’s stream were also perceived as disrespectful. According to a recent survey, 62% of social media users believe influencers should be held accountable for the content they promote (eMarketer 2024).
Financial Success
Within six months, Ray accumulated over 700,000 followers. Estimates suggest a monthly income of US$80,000 (approximately NT$2.31 million) from YouTube revenue, Twitch subscriptions, and brand collaborations.
Cenat’s Reaction
Even Kai Cenat jokingly suggested sending him back to Taiwan to “restore the original factory settings,”
highlighting the widespread nature of the controversy.
Responsibilities of Influence
These incidents underscore the responsibilities that accompany online fame. While enjoying the benefits, influencers must consider the impact of their words and actions.