[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Gayeon, Kim Yeonju Intern] Jo Joo-bin (25), the operator of the 'Baksa Room' accused of producing sexually exploitative materials involving minors and selling them on the messenger Telegram, was revealed to have given advice on over 500 questions on the internet in the past.
Jo was actively involved on Naver's knowledge Q&A platform 'Knowledge iN'. He answered questions under the username 'Jisikui Kkeut' (End of Knowledge).
Among Jo’s 478 answers were questions about crackdowns on child pornography and penalties for downloading obscene materials.
In October 2012, a netizen asked on Knowledge iN, "I downloaded one (obscene material) today, but it was about a high school student or something. In the actual video, there was no school uniform or anything, just casual clothes? Only some parts and people were visible," and asked, "I heard you get caught just for downloading. What should I do? Will I get arrested?"
Jo replied, "Yes. If you get caught in a crackdown, you will be arrested," but advised, "Still, the chance of getting caught is low, so don’t worry."
On the same day, another netizen asked about penalties for downloading obscene materials, "I downloaded a movie; does that count as a punishable offense?" and "If I delete it, is it okay?"
Jo responded, "As long as it’s not child or adolescent pornography, it’s fine."
Notably, Jo showed awareness of sexual violence issues by advising victims to inform others or report the incidents.
In a post about a high school female student being sexually harassed by a man on the subway, he advised, "If the victim feels uncomfortable, that moment is violence. Tell a trusted teacher or parent."
Regarding a post about an uncle sexually harassing his older sister, he said, "Tell your parents. Sexual assault frequently occurs among relatives. Always be cautious."
In response to a question titled 'Does the sexy image of girl groups provoke social disorder?', Jo answered, "I cannot agree. In Arab countries, people wrap their bodies completely, yet the rate of sex crimes is high, so the premise doesn’t hold. Humans are rational animals and can distinguish that much. If short clothes cause confusion, that would be the animal kingdom."
Meanwhile, Jo is accused of producing sexually exploitative materials targeting women since 2018 and selling them on Telegram for money. There are 74 known victims, of whom 16 are minors.
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