First Public Disclosure of Minor 'Baksa-bang' Member Butta "Sincere Apology"... Sent to Prosecution Today (Comprehensive)

Gang Hoon, known as 'Buddha,' the co-operator of the Telegram 'Doctor's Room' along with Jo Joo-bin, is being transferred to the prosecution by police vehicle on the 17th at Jongno Police Station in Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Kang Hoon (18, detained), the key accomplice of Jo Joo-bin (24), who operated the Telegram sexual exploitation pornography group chat 'Baksa Bang,' stood at the photo line on the 17th. The disclosure of Kang's identity is the second case following Jo in the 'Nth Room' incident, and it is the first time a minor has been subject to identity disclosure since the system was introduced.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency sent Kang to the prosecution on charges including recruiting participants for the sexual exploitation group chat and managing criminal proceeds such as entrance fees (violation of the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles Against Sexual Abuse). Around 8 a.m. that day, Kang, exposed to the press while being transferred from the Jongno Police Station detention center to the prosecution, left a brief statement saying, "I sincerely apologize and am sorry." Without wearing a mask, he appeared tense with his head bowed. He did not respond to reporters' questions such as "Do you admit the charges?" or "Do you have anything to say to the victims?"

Earlier, the police held an identity disclosure committee meeting the previous day and decided to reveal Kang's name, age, and face. Kang was born in 2001 and is currently a minor. However, since Kang is expected to turn 19 this year, it was judged that he is not a youth under the Youth Protection Act. Accordingly, Kang's side filed a lawsuit for cancellation of the administrative disposition of identity disclosure and a provisional injunction for suspension of execution at the Seoul Administrative Court, but the court dismissed the injunction, stating, "The public interest in information overwhelmingly outweighs Kang's honor and the private interests such as Kang's future as a minor." Kang's attorney, Attorney Kang Cheol-gu, expressed regret over the court's decision, saying, "Although the identity has already been disclosed and there may be no practical benefit, there is still a lawsuit for cancellation of the administrative disposition remaining, and we plan to engage in legal disputes."

Meanwhile, at Jongno Police Station that day, an anonymous group of women held a protest, shouting slogans such as "All of you who entered that room are murderers" and "From the Nth Room to prison," demanding strong punishment not only for those who produced and distributed sexual exploitation pornography but also for those who entered the room.