Highlighting Former Police, Prosecutors, and Judges
Need for Independent Self-Cleaning Efforts
Recently, as the police have launched an investigation into the country's largest pornography site, some law firms have sparked controversy by advertising that they will "create no charges." Critics argue that lawyers are openly commercializing the act of scapegoating criminals.
On the 22nd, a police official stated, "We are investigating pornography sites including 'Yadong Korea,'" adding, "We are conducting investigations to arrest suspects with charges." It is known that illegal recordings of ordinary people and pornography targeting children and adolescents were shared on the site.
Under current law, punishment is possible if illegal pornography is viewed. Article 14 of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act stipulates that those who possess, purchase, store, or watch materials filmed against the subject's will using cameras or mechanical devices shall be punished by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won. The same applies to viewing deepfake sexual exploitation materials or pornography targeting children and adolescents.
Users of pornography sites are sharing ways to avoid punishment online. Posts such as "I only watched using home Wi-Fi; should I factory reset my phone?" and "I didn't know most domestic content was illegal; can I deny it?" have hundreds of comments.
Some lawyers promote that they can secure acquittals by highlighting backgrounds as former police officers, prosecutors, or judges. Kim Eui-taek, lead attorney at Law Firm Seongji Partners, said, "It is almost impossible for lawyers to secure acquittals when there is physical evidence. It is merely a business activity."
Kim Hye-jung, director of the Korea Sexual Violence Counseling Center, emphasized, "It is highly inappropriate for lawyers to create defense products related to sexual exploitation crimes," and stressed, "Self-regulatory efforts such as restricting business activities are necessary."
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