According to ThePaper.cn, the student, identified as Li Hao, died after engaging in five straight all-night live-streaming sessions for the corporation.
Li Hao was in his last year at Henan’s Pingdingshan Vocational and Technical College, doing an internship required to complete curriculum requirements before graduating the following June. He worked as an online game streamer for Henan Qinyi Culture and Media Co.
On November 10, a terrible situation occurred in Li’s leased residence in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. Their roommates saw him breathing quickly and unresponsive while sleeping, leading them to call 911. Despite their best efforts, Li was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Li Was Required to Livestream for 240 Hours in 26 Days and Upload 15 Video Clips Each Month
To earn a minimum income of 3,000 yuan, Li was required to livestream for 240 hours in 26 days and upload 15 video clips each month, according to a “cooperation agreement” acquired by the publication. Li had been working the day shift since October but switched to the night shift on November 5, according to China Daily. He did live-streaming sessions from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. for five nights in a row.
According to the South China Morning Post, Li performed 89 live-streaming sessions between October 15 and November 10.
Li’s father claimed that the shift change was requested by the corporation owing to increased tips and larger revenue. However, Li was said to be dissatisfied with the new timetable.
The corporation, as Legally Represented by Zhang, Rejected All Culpability
The corporation, as legally represented by Zhang, rejected all culpability, emphasizing a joint arrangement with Li. “We provide a venue,” Zhang said. He went on to say, “We only take a commission from viewer gifts given to the live streamer.”
Zhang noted the difficulties that many live streamers had in regulating the length of their sessions.
The employer has compensated Li’s family 5,000 yuan ($58,750) in compensation. However, the corporation is now facing public anger on Chinese social media for what seems to be reckless behavior.
