Bot-No-Jaem: The Korean YouTube star famous for doing nothing

A South Korean student has achieved instant fame, an adoring female fan base, and primetime TV appearances through viral YouTube videos in which he does practically nothing in front of the camera.

Highlights of YouTuber Bot-No-Jaem’s 1-7 hours-long livestreaming sessions include adjusting his glasses and occasionally turning a page on a book he is apparently studying from. His facial expressions remain permanently blank, he never speaks a word, and he is always alone.

Excited viewers have also been treated to exclusive footage that shows him drinking from a mug, eating noodles from a bowl and brushing his teeth. A silent gym workout was an instant viral hit.

The Bot-No-Jaem YouTube channel, which means “a robot which is no fun” has defied entertainment norms to become an internet sensation, with over 320,000 subscribers tuning in to watch the student’s mundane daily activities.

One video – “study with me” - in which he livestreams a seven hour study session in a bland room with white window blinds, while sitting in a black office chair, received almost 500,000 views.

“I’ve never seen such an interesting video in my entire life,” said one viewer who, it is presumed, was joking.

Bot-No-Jaem, whose real name and age is yet to be revealed, is said to be preparing for a state exam to become a police officer, reported the Korea Herald.

The addiction to his brooding study videos has been attributed in part to his flawless complexion and youthful good looks, which have been compared to boyband stars in the highly popular K-pop scene.

His enigmatic appearances have left many female fans gushing over his “gorgeous” face.

“My precious time being wasted because I can’t stop watching him,” said one mesmerised fan.

“Excuse me but are you allowed to do this to my heart?” said another lovestruck viewer.

Many speculating about what his voice might sound like were given an answer when he recently broke his silence on TV shows including “Morning Wide” on SBS, whose producers were intrigued by his skyrocketing fame.

He said that he began to film himself to stay focussed while studying and explained that the first word “Bot” came from his old nickname “Robot”, which he picked up during military service.

He expressed surprise at his fame and thanked his fans for their “love and support.”

However, the popular YouTuber has also come under fire from internet surfers who are angry about his easy path to fame, reported Koreaboo.

Some have pointed out that female YouTubers have to work much harder to get views, while editing and considering personal attacks and threats.

“Meanwhile, this guy just rolls the camera and studies, which is only beneficial for himself, and gains a hardcore fandom,” said one critic. 

“Sometimes I really hate the modern world,” added an unimpressed viewer on Reddit.