Police Chief: "Confirming Each Participant in the 'n번방' Case... Also Verifying Organizational Involvement"

Police Seem to Have Secured Clues Tracking 'Gatgat'
Cautious About Allowing Sting Operations
"Will Consider Public Disclosure of Personal Information if Crime Confirmed"

Police Chief Min Gap-ryong is moving to deliver a greeting at the Digital Sex Crime Special Investigation Headquarters plaque ceremony held on the 25th at the Police Agency North Building in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Min Gap-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, reiterated a strict response to the Telegram 'Nth Room' case, which has sparked public outrage. The police are also reported to have secured some clues to track down the nickname 'GodGod,' who created the first Nth Room.

At a press conference held on the 6th at the National Police Agency building in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Commissioner Min stated, "So far, 147 people have been arrested and 25 detained," adding, "We are thoroughly identifying and arresting major criminals and those who played important roles by participating."

He continued, "We have designated responsible departments for the investigation targets and are guiding and directing them to thoroughly investigate each case," adding, "We will take strict measures depending on the type and severity of the acts, and we will verify whether there is any organizational involvement one by one."

Commissioner Min particularly explained about 'GodGod,' who is currently being tracked by the police, saying, "We are approaching this in a very meaningful way." This is interpreted to mean that important clues for tracking GodGod have been secured to some extent while the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency is conducting the investigation.

However, Commissioner Min showed a cautious stance regarding the recent opinions that 'sting operations' should be allowed in connection with the Nth Room case. He explained, "A sting operation is when someone who had no intention of committing a crime is actively induced to intentionally commit the crime," adding, "Advanced countries recognize sting operations for terrorism and organized crime, but our country has not yet recognized them." He pointed out that this differs from 'undercover investigations,' where there is an original intent to commit a crime, and the investigator conceals their identity to approach and confirm the circumstances and perpetrators. The police are already using undercover investigations to catch drug offenders.

Commissioner Min said, "We need to carefully consider various legal issues and the public's legal acceptance," adding, "Since social discussions have begun, we will participate in the process and review it while observing until the majority of the public's opinion is formed."

He also repeatedly emphasized a strict response to simple participants. Commissioner Min said, "There can be various types of participation, but those who have criminal intent and have violated related laws will be strictly dealt with," adding, "Since the types of acts are diverse and extensive, we need to examine each one to understand the intent behind them."

Meanwhile, regarding whether to disclose the identities of those arrested as accomplices of Jo Joo-bin (24, detained), the operator of the 'Doctor's Room,' Commissioner Min stated, "Disclosure of identity requires the clarity of the crime," adding, "It is a matter to be judged at the next stage after confirming all the crimes."