[Logout 'n'] Anonymous Devils Wearing Masks... Raising Awareness for Strict Punishment

<Part 1> The Scars Left by the Nth Room

Sexually Exploitative Content Produced and Distributed Without Guilt
Main Perpetrators of the Nth Room Appear as Ordinary People in Society

Offline and Online Personas Differ by 180 Degrees
Violence in Anonymous Spaces Is Six Times Higher

Preventing Recurrence Is as Important as Strengthening Punishment
Wrong Social Perceptions of Sexuality Must Be Corrected

[Asia Economy Reporters Seungyoon Song and Jeongyun Lee] The 'Telegram Nth Room case' brutally exposed the dark reality of digital sex crimes that exploit online anonymity. Those who lived ordinary lives in daily life transformed into monsters as soon as they donned the mask of anonymity. This is because they believed they would never be caught no matter what they did in this space.

The key figures in the Nth Room case were all people commonly seen around us. People from the same department who attended university with 'GodGod' Moon Hyungwook (24) all remembered him as "ordinary, with no particularly distinctive traits." 'Doctor' Jo Joo-bin (24) was rather close to being a diligent model student. Jo maintained excellent grades with a 4.0 GPA out of 4.5 and consistently participated in volunteer activities. He also served as the editor-in-chief of the university newspaper.

The ordinary facets of those who committed these horrific crimes clearly demonstrate how terrifyingly anonymity in digital spaces can be exploited. The offline and online selves become completely different. Professor Kwak Geumju of Seoul National University's Department of Psychology said, "In anonymous spaces, one's identity disappears, allowing an 'alternate self' to be created," adding, "Research shows that violence in such spaces can increase by about six times compared to usual."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Nth Room case also served as a catalyst for raising social awareness about digital sex crimes. As the methods of the main suspects were fully disclosed, there was a shift in perception regarding the distribution and sharing of sexually exploitative materials. As the main suspects were arrested one after another, it was reaffirmed that, contrary to the delusions of those involved, cybercrime cannot be a perfect 'hideout.' The awareness that strict punishments follow online crimes just as in real-world crimes has taken root.

Since the Nth Room incident, investigative agencies and related organizations have been rushing to implement countermeasures. The 'Nth Room Prevention Act,' established to strengthen penalties for sex crimes, came into effect on the 19th. According to this amendment, merely possessing or viewing illegal filmed videos can result in up to three years of imprisonment. Previously, only possession of child and youth pornography was punishable. The sentencing guidelines for producing and distributing sexually exploitative videos have been raised from up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million won to up to seven years imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won. Additionally, the law includes provisions for aggravated punishment for threats and coercion using sexual recordings.

Experts advise that, as important as strengthening punishments, it is crucial to use this as an opportunity to correct the widespread erroneous perceptions of sexuality in society. Professor Gu Jungwoo of Sungkyunkwan University's Department of Sociology said, "Strong punishments are necessary, but considering that potential offenders can be created again, social perception change is most important," adding, "Ultimately, digital sex crimes can only be resolved with respect for the other's sexuality, and this can only be achieved through social efforts and education."