Jacob Ant
If you’re a seasoned K-pop fan, you must’ve heard about the controversial 2019 sex scandal involving famous K-pop stars who were involved in sexually assaulting and sharing images of unconscious women at a prominent club in Gangnam.
BBC is coming up with a gripping documentary titled Burning Sun, which is named after the club involved in the incident. It will focus on the two female Korean journalists who bravely investigated this disturbing case and faced severe personal consequences.
This blog provides an easy-to-understand guide for viewers who want to watch Burning Sun in European countries for free and learn more about this horrifying scandal. So, let’s get started.
How to watch Burning Sun in Europe online for free?
Burning Sun is headed to BBC iPlayer and will be available for free to viewers residing in the UK; however, for those who want to watch this documentary from Europe or anywhere outside the UK, there is a certain trick to it.
All you need is a reliable premium VPN like ExpressVPN, which will allow you to watch Burning Sun in European countries for free on BBC iPlayer.
Follow the steps below and enjoy:
1- Sign up to ExpressVPN to access BBC iPlayer (12+3 months free special deal with a 30-day money-back guarantee)
2- Download ExpressVPN on your devices of choice (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and more)
3- Select the British Server from the country list
4- Now open BBC iPlayer in your browser or in-app
5- Search for Burning Sun on BBC iPlayer
6- Enjoy
Why do you need a VPN to watch Burning Sun in Europe for free?
Burning Sun will be available to watch online for free on BBC iPlayer, and you will need a VPN to access it in Europe because, due to certain geo-restriction policies and to abide by the licensing agreements with content owners, this VOD platform only allows users who possess a British IP address to access its library and block everyone else out by showing the following location error:
“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.”
VPNs are the ultimate solution to bypass the digital roadblock because they can effortlessly hide your original location and grant you a different IP address based on the country whose server you’ve connected.
You can connect to a British server via a premium VPN like ExpressVPN and watch Burning Sun in Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Turkey, France, Spain, Italy, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, France, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia, Hungary, Netherlands, Czechia, and other European countries for free on BBC iPlayer.
Why is ExpressVPN the best choice to watch Burning Sun online in Europe for free?
ExpressVPN is widely recognized as a leading premium VPN provider, making it our top choice for accessing geo-restricted content, such as the documentary Burning Sun in European countries for free on BBC iPlayer.
Possessing a vast network with over 3500 servers across 100+ countries, ExpressVPN has earned accolades for its performance from reputable review sites like WizCase. Our own tests confirm its effectiveness, including for other geo-blocked titles like Skip and Loafer, I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince, and The Eminence in Shadow.
One of the key reasons we recommend ExpressVPN for streaming Burning Sun in European countries for free is its fast connection speeds, reaching download speeds of up to 98Mbps and upload speeds of up to 86Mbps, ensuring a seamless, buffer-free experience.
Security is also a cornerstone of ExpressVPN, equipped with advanced features like the Lightway protocol, an Internet Kill Switch, TrustedServer technology, Threat Manager, and AES 256-bit encryption. These technologies provide robust security while streaming online content like Burning Sun in Europe for free or engaging in other activities.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux, and allows simultaneous connections for up to 8 devices. This means you can share your streaming experience of Burning Sun in European countries for free with friends without hassle.
In terms of value, ExpressVPN offers a competitive package. A 49% discount on the annual plan brings the cost down to just $6.67/month, including three extra months free. This plan also features a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support, making it an exceptional choice for watching Burning Sun in Europe for free on BBC iPlayer.
Testing NordVPN to watch Burning Sun in European countries for free
While ExpressVPN is a fantastic choice for accessing Burning Sun in European countries for free on BBC iPlayer, NordVPN also stands out as a formidable alternative.
Known for its extensive network, NordVPN operates over 5000 servers across more than 65 countries. This expansive server coverage has enabled us to stream other region-locked titles like America’s Got Talent Season 19, Mushoku Tensei, and The Great British Sewing Bee Season 10.
NordVPN offers impressive performance, with download speeds of up to 96Mbps and uploads of up to 84Mbps, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted streaming of Burning Sun in European countries for free. The service is also packed with advanced features, including Dark Web Monitor, Double VPN, Private DNS, Nordlynx protocol, and Onion over VPN, enhancing both security and performance.
Compatibility with a wide range of devices—from PCs and Smartphones to Firesticks and Smart TVs—means NordVPN supports nearly any setup. Its SmartDNS feature further aids in overcoming geo-restrictions seamlessly on any device of your choice.
On the pricing front, NordVPN is quite economical. It offers a two-year subscription at just $3.69/month, adding up to a 27-month (three extra months free) package at a 66% discount. This plan also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support, making NordVPN an appealing and affordable option for watching Burning Sun in European countries for free.
Where can I watch Burning Sun in Europe?
Burning Sun will premiere on BBC iPlayer in the UK, and viewers residing in Europe will be able to access it by relying on a premium VPN and changing their IP addresses.
If you are looking for a local streaming option for Burning Sun in Europe, we must tell you that there aren’t any. Due to content distribution and licensing issues, none of the major European platforms have been able to secure the rights for this documentary.
The only possible way to watch Burning Sun in Finland, Sweden, Turkey, France, Spain, Italy, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, France, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia, Hungary, Netherlands, Czechia, and other European countries for free is via BBC iPlayer with the help of reliable VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
Where can I watch Burning Sun in Ireland?
There haven’t been any official announcements from major Irish online streaming platforms like RTÉ Player and Virgin Media Player about BBC’s new upcoming documentary Burning Sun’s premiere.
That is why the most viable option is to watch Burning Sun in Ireland on BBC iPlayer by connecting to a British server via a premium VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
This will allow you to bypass all the geo-restrictions and watch your desired titles on the British VOD platform. We have used this approach to watch other titles like MBAPPE and Liz Carr’s Better Off Dead.
Burning Sun – Release Date
Burning Sun will premiere on BBC iPlayer on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 12 am.
Burning Sun – Is There a Trailer?
No, Burning Sun hasn’t received an official trailer from BBC yet, but we will update this blog when a trailer is dropped online. Stay tuned!
Burning Sun – What is the Documentary about?
Burning Sun follows the challenging journey of two female Korean journalists who delved into sex scandals involving well-known K-pop stars, facing severe personal repercussions in the process.
In South Korea, K-pop stars are immensely popular, enjoying wealth, fame, and a vast female fanbase. However, the documentary reveals a darker side to this world, where some stars led secret lives and participated in sharing videos of women being raped and humiliated while unconscious.
The documentary highlights the term “Molka,” which refers to the illicit act of secretly recording explicit photos or videos without consent. This type of crime has surged dramatically, increasing elevenfold over the past 15 years in South Korea.
It centers around three K-pop stars who were found sharing images of sexual assaults on unconscious women. Notably, Jung Joon-young and Choi Jong-hoon were implicated in these crimes, including allegations of gang rape.
The scandal came to light after data from Jung Joon-young’s phone was leaked. Korean journalist Kang Kyung-yoon received this data and embarked on the arduous task of authenticating hundreds of explicit images and videos.
The investigation also touched on a prominent Gangnam club called Burning Sun, where Big Bang star Seungri served as DJ and CEO. The documentary uncovers that women were drugged and sexually abused within the club. Journalists Kang and Park share their own experiences within the documentary, revealing the intense backlash they faced for exposing these celebrities.
Burning Sun – Who were the K-pop stars?
The Burning Sun scandal in Seoul involved several celebrities, including members of popular K-pop groups, and BBC’s new documentary is going to highlight the involvement of the three most prominent convicts.
Here is what we know about them:
- Jung Joon-young
Jung Joon-young first gained recognition when he appeared on the reality show Superstar K4 in 2014. His unique voice and charismatic stage presence helped him to build a fanbase quickly, and he joined the K-pop boy band Drug Restaurant in 2015.
However, Jung Joon-young’s career took a dramatic turn in 2019 when he was accused of illegally recording and sharing videos of sexual encounters without the consent of the women involved.
In November 2019, Jung Joon-young was convicted of violating the Special Act on Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes and received a prison sentence. He was released after serving five years in 2023.
- Choi Jong-hoon
Choi Jong-hoon is best known as the former leader and guitarist of the rock band F.T. Island, which debuted in 2007. However, the Burning Sun scandal revealed that Choi had participated in the sharing of non-consensual videos and was also involved in attempting to bribe a police officer to cover up a previous incident of drunk driving in 2016.
As a result, he was sentenced to prison in 2019 for aggravated rape and other charges related to the scandal. After a five-year break, Choi Jong-hoon returned to the public eye by starting his channel called HUNIYA on the Fanicon platform in Japan.
- Seungri
Seungri, whose real name is Lee Seung-hyun, is best known as a former member of the highly successful K-pop group Big Bang. His solo music career was also successful, particularly with songs like V.V.I.P. and Let’s Talk About Love.
In 2019, he became embroiled in illegal activities at the Burning Sun nightclub, where he was a public relations director and occasional DJ. He faced allegations of procuring prostitutes for potential investors and other illicit activities.
The severity of the allegations led Seungri to retire from the entertainment industry. In August 2021, he was sentenced to three years in prison.
Burning Sun – Who is the Reporter?
Kang Kyung-yoon, an investigative journalist for SBS, played a pivotal role in bringing to light the Burning Sun scandal and the associated issues within a chat room involving several K-pop stars.
Her investigation began when she received whistleblower information that led her to examine a series of KakaoTalk messages. These messages revealed a chat group where illicit activities, including the sharing of non-consensually recorded videos of women, were discussed among various K-pop celebrities, including Jung Joon-young, Choi Jong-hoon, and Seungri.
This chat group was central to the scandal as it contained evidence of criminal activities, including sexual assault and drug dealing. Kang’s thorough investigative work unveiled a deeper layer of corruption and misconduct.
Prior to this, Kang Kyung-yoon was already recognized for her investigative reporting on corruption cases related to South Korea’s former President Park Geun-hye, demonstrating her commitment to uncovering truth and fostering transparency in public affairs.
Wrap Up
In this blog, we have mentioned everything you need to know about BBC’s latest documentary, Burning Sun, from where and how to watch it online to deep dives into the scandal that shook the core of the Korean entertainment industry.
Whether you’re a K-pop fan or just curious about celebrity scandals, this documentary is definitely a must-watch for you.
Just subscribe to one of our top-recommended VPNs, ExpressVPN and NordVPN, and prepare for a captivating experience of watching Burning Sun in European countries for free.
FAQs
1- Where can I watch Burning Sun in Europe?
Unfortunately, there are no local streaming options for Burning Sun in Europe; however, if you want to watch this documentary for free, using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to access it on BBC iPlayer might be your best option.
You can connect to a British server via the VPN and change your virtual location to the UK to watch Burning Sun in European countries for free on BBC iPlayer.
2- Can I watch Burning Sun on Netflix or Prime Video in Europe?
It is unlikely that Burning Sun will be available to watch on Netflix or Prime Video in Europe or anywhere else because BBC hasn’t lent the rights to this documentary to any OTT or VOD platform except for BBC iPlayer.
To watch Burning Sun in European countries for free, you must use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN and get a British IP address to unblock BBC iPlayer.
3- Who is producing Burning Sun?
Burning Sun is produced by BBC Eye, and the list of executive producers for the documentary includes Monica Garnsey, Mustafa Khalili, Marc Perkins, and Kavita Puri.
4- Who is the director of Burning Sun?
BBC’s new documentary, Burning Sun, is directed by Kai Lawrence, who is also known for programs like Front Row, Our World, and Dispatches. Additionally, Lawrence is also producing the documentary.
5- What happened in the Burning Sun scandal?
The Burning Sun scandal revolved around sexual assaults, sex chatrooms, and the sharing of illegal videos, and it involved some of the most prominent figures from the South Korean entertainment industry.
6- Is Burning Sun still operating?
The Burning Sun nightclub had been at the center of numerous scandals over the years and shut down in February 2019 following revelations that it was involved in various illegal activities, including drug abuse, sexual offenses, tax evasion, and corruption.
It was reported by Korea JoongAng Daily in December 2023 that a skyscraper will be replacing the site of the controversial nightclub in Gangnam District.
