Co-defendant of Jo Joo-bin Reprimanded by Presiding Judge for "This Cannot Be Called a Letter of Reflection"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Kang Mo (24), a social service worker identified as an accomplice of Jo Joo-bin (24, in custody), who created sexually exploitative materials and distributed them on the Telegram 'Baksa Bang,' was reprimanded by the judge regarding his letter of reflection during his own trial, where he was prosecuted first.

The Criminal Division 33 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Son Dong-hwan) pointed out issues with Kang's letter of reflection during the trial on the 10th, where Kang was prosecuted and detained on charges including violation of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes (retaliatory threats, etc.).

The court stated, "Writing like this cannot be considered a letter of reflection," and added, "It would be better not to submit such a letter of reflection. What is this..." before pausing briefly.

It continued, "Although you may not have been previously incarcerated as a detainee, this is a submission to the court, and speaking in this manner makes one think you are a strange person," and "I may suffer, but the content about your family and acquaintances, who are unrelated to the crime, suffering is problematic. If your intention is to show a remorseful attitude to the court, you should think more carefully and write accordingly," the court pointed out.

The court also criticized, "You keep insisting that (your family being in a difficult situation) is unfair, but the situation is not good," and "Considering the victim, this is a very unfavorable situation."

In response, Kang's defense attorney explained the background of the disorganized letter of reflection, saying, "The defendant is mentally unstable and fearful, even saying things like 'there is no meaning to live anymore, so please impose the harshest punishment.'

The prosecution conveyed to the court that the investigation related to Kang's 'Baksa Bang' crimes would be completed and prosecuted, and requested that the two cases be consolidated at that time.

The court responded, "If the case to be consolidated is a sexual violence case, it is not appropriate to consolidate it with our court, which is not a sexual violence specialized division," and "Please provide the prosecution's opinion on which court would be appropriate to send it to."

The prosecution requested a postponement of the trial date, which the court accepted, scheduling the next trial for the 1st of next month.

Kang is confirmed to be involved in Jo's 'Baksa Bang' crimes and is under investigation. Prior to this, he was prosecuted on charges including requesting Jo to 'retaliate' after accessing personal information of female victim A and her family from the district office information system network.