Hwang Kyo-ahn: "Punishment Judgment May Vary for Those Who Entered n-Bang Out of Curiosity"... Netizens Say "They Don't Understand the Seriousness of the Issue"

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, is speaking at a discussion hosted by the Broadcast Reporters Club held at the Broadcasting Hall on Mokdongdong-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, on the 1st. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the United Future Party, sparked controversy by making remarks suggesting that "the level of punishment and judgment may differ for those who entered the so-called 'Telegram n-bang' case out of curiosity." Questions have been raised about whether it is possible to enter secret chat rooms, which require a complicated procedure to join, simply out of curiosity.

On the 1st, at a discussion hosted by the Broadcast Journalists Club held at the Broadcasting Hall in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, Hwang stated, "Among the n-bang members, those who condoned the crime and participated in the activities should be subject to punishment," but added, "Individual judgment is necessary for related persons."

He continued, "For those who entered the (n-bang) out of curiosity but stopped participating after realizing it was 'inappropriate,' the judgment (such as disclosure of identity) may differ," he explained.

However, some criticized Hwang's remarks, saying they overlooked the seriousness of the case.

To enter the n-bang, one must go through a complicated process such as receiving an invitation via a shared link, and in the case of paid rooms, members must pay up to 2 million won in virtual currency such as Bitcoin to the operator as an entrance fee. This is why questions arise about whether it is possible to access the n-bang simply out of curiosity.

Public opinion on this issue was also divided.

On the 25th of last month, citizens held a placard protest urging the severe punishment of Jo Joo-bin, the operator of the 'Baksa Room'. / Photo by Yonhap News

One netizen pointed out, "Places like n-bang and Doctor's Room require several steps of complicated authentication procedures to enter," adding, "The expression that someone entered out of curiosity itself is inappropriate. The number of participations cannot be used as a pardon."

Another netizen criticized, "It seems even someone who served as Minister of Justice does not fully understand the seriousness of the problem."

On the other hand, another netizen expressed support for Hwang's position, saying, "It means adjusting the sentences between those who actually participated in the production of sexual exploitation materials and those who did not," and "Punishments should not be abused."

Meanwhile, in his opening remarks that day, Hwang said, "The recent n-bang case has aroused the anger of our people," and added, "It is not simply the distribution of obscene materials but a horrific and heinous sex crime targeting minors."

He continued, "The United Future Party has prepared comprehensive safety measures for women and will expand a meticulous safety net against new types of crimes against women and cybercrimes," emphasizing, "We will punish crimes of sexual violence against women and children more severely than any other crimes."