A stunt intended to boost views and engagement on YouTube may cost a “content creator” 10 years of his life.
Suk Min Choi, better known as the influencer “Alex Choi,” is facing a possible 10-year prison sentence on charges of “causing the placement of an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft.” This charge stems from a reckless stunt where Choi orchestrated a scene involving fireworks being fired from a helicopter into a Lamborghini luxury sports car.
Talk about taking things too far for views. What was Choi thinking? Besides the initial charge, authorities allege that Choi, a resident of the San Fernando Valley area in greater Los Angeles, purchased fireworks illegal in California from Nevada and filmed the stunt at the El Mirage Dry Lakebed in California’s San Bernardino County. He also reportedly failed to secure the proper permit for the shoot.
Authorities say Choi repeatedly implicated himself by making multiple references to his involvement throughout the video. From coordinating and directing the production to procuring the illegal fireworks, Choi is even seen holding up an illegal firework in one part of the video.
The stunt, filmed last year, was uploaded with the title “Destroying a Lamborghini With Fireworks” to Choi’s YouTube channel on July 4, 2023. Though the video has since been removed, it reportedly featured the entirety of the production process. Choi narrates behind-the-scenes shots, culminating in a dramatic scene where two women on a helicopter press a “fire missiles” button, triggering the launch of fireworks at the speeding sports car.
This isn’t just a case of poor judgment; it’s a glaring example of the dangerous lengths some influencers will go to for clicks and clout. Choi’s actions were not only illegal but incredibly irresponsible.
Choi has more than a million followers on Instagram, and his YouTube bio describes him as the author of the “greatest car shenanigans.” Many of his videos also show him seemingly exceeding speed limits in residential neighborhoods, further showcasing his penchant for reckless behavior.
Choi has appeared before a judge and is currently out on a $50,000 bail bond. He is set to be arraigned on July 2. Despite the gravity of the charges, neither Choi nor his management company, Underscore Talent, has issued any comment or statement on the matter.
Let this be a lesson to all the aspiring influencers out there: chasing viral fame is not worth risking your freedom or the safety of others. The justice system isn’t a fan of “car shenanigans” when they endanger lives and break the law.
As this case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the broader conversation around the responsibilities of content creators and the consequences of their actions. For now, Choi’s future hangs in the balance, a stark reminder that actions have consequences, no matter how many followers you have.
