Police Also Track Telegram's First 'n번방' Operator... Launch Large-Scale Investigation (Comprehensive)

Operator 'Gatgat' Tracking Speed... Many Accomplices Arrested
Investigation Underway to Confirm Telegram 'Bonsa' Veiled in Secrecy
Participants in Chat Rooms Also Subject to Punishment for Illegal Activities

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Police investigations related to the Telegram 'Baksa Bang' (Doctor's Room), which sparked social outrage due to sexual exploitation targeting women including minors, are expanding. The police are actively conducting investigations, including tracking the nickname 'GodGod,' the originator of Telegram's 'Nth Room,' and cooperating with overseas investigative agencies.

A National Police Agency official stated on the 23rd, "In the initial Nth Room investigation, a significant number of accomplices and downloaders, excluding the operator known as GodGod, were apprehended."

Since September last year, the police have been investigating Telegram sexual exploitation chat rooms such as 'Nth Room' and 'Baksa Bang,' arresting 124 people and detaining 18 as of the 20th of this month. During this process, the operator of Baksa Bang, a man in his 20s named Jo, was detained, and the initial Nth Room operator 'GodGod' is currently being tracked.

A police official explained, "Among Telegram chat rooms, Baksa Bang was the most vicious, and the most meaningful investigation was into the original Nth Room (operated by 'GodGod')." The pursuit of 'GodGod' is currently being conducted by the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency. When asked if the identity of 'GodGod' has been narrowed down, the official said, "That is what we understand," but added, "Cybercrime often involves aliases and pseudonyms, so more time is needed."

The police are also examining another messenger program called 'Discord' alongside Telegram. Discord, mainly used for communication among gamers during gameplay, has been reported to be used as a channel for distributing obscene materials. At a press briefing, National Police Commissioner Min Gap-ryong stated in written materials, "Through self-monitoring, we have confirmed cases of child sexual exploitation materials and illegal obscene material distribution on 'Discord' and are investigating them," adding, "We are also analyzing numerous reports received from women's organizations."

Since Telegram and Discord are both overseas messengers, international cooperation is necessary for investigations. The National Police Agency has established a 'Global IT Company Cooperation Task Force' within the Cyber Safety Bureau to strengthen collaboration with overseas social network service (SNS) companies. Discord, headquartered in San Francisco, USA, has communicated to Korean police that it will provide data upon request following relevant procedures.

Efforts to locate the still-veiled Telegram headquarters are also underway. While Telegram cooperates with video deletions, it reportedly shows little response when personal information is requested, according to police. A police official said, "We have requested cooperation from the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to locate Telegram's headquarters and are also verifying through overseas attach?s," adding, "If found, we will pursue diplomatic means to seek cooperation."

The decision on whether to publicly disclose the real name, face, and age of Jo, the man in his 20s who operated Telegram's Baksa Bang, is expected soon. Commissioner Min said, "The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency will hold a public disclosure committee on the 24th to decide on disclosure," explaining, "The decision will be made after carefully considering the public's right to know, prevention of reoffending by the suspect, and crime prevention effects."

Attention is also focused on whether accomplices, including chat room participants, will be punished. A police official said, "Possession alone of child sexual exploitation materials is punishable," adding, "There is no regulation to punish possession alone regarding illegal filming materials, but there is public opinion that it should be punishable." The official continued, "If illegal obscene materials were distributed, punishment is possible, and if someone said, 'Give it to me, send it elsewhere,' it could be considered aiding and abetting or instigation," concluding, "We will conduct a thorough and meticulous investigation."

Earlier, the police arrested and detained Jo on the 16th of this month. The number of confirmed victims from Jo's crimes currently stands at 74, including minors. Meanwhile, a Blue House petition requesting the disclosure of Jo's identity and to have him stand at the photo line has garnered over 2.2 million signatures as of this morning. Another petition demanding the disclosure of identities of those who used the chat room has also received over 1.5 million signatures.