[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Two paid members of the 'Baksa Room' who participated in the production and distribution of sexually exploitative obscene materials on Telegram have been detained, marking the first time the charge of 'joining a criminal organization' has been applied.
On the 25th, Judge Kim Tae-gyun of the Seoul Central District Court held a pre-arrest detention hearing (warrant review) for Im and Jang, who are accused of violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse (distribution of child sexual exploitation materials, etc.) and joining a criminal organization, and issued arrest warrants on the same day.
Judge Kim explained the reason for issuing the warrants, stating, "The main criminal charges have been substantiated, and considering the roles and degree of involvement of Jang and Im in the proven criminal acts, the seriousness of the case, and the progress of the investigation so far, it is recognized that there is a risk they may destroy evidence or flee."
Earlier, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Special Investigation Unit on Digital Sex Crimes applied the charge of joining a criminal organization and requested arrest warrants, concluding that Jang and others did not operate the Baksa Room alone with its operator Jo Joo-bin (24, detained), but systematically ran it by sharing certain roles and responsibilities with members, and acted as 'paid members' providing criminal funds.
With the detention of Jang and others, the likelihood of applying the charge of joining a criminal organization to the remaining paid members of the Baksa Room has increased.
Meanwhile, as of the 13th of this month, the police have additionally booked about 20 paid members of the Baksa Room, and are currently investigating around 60 individuals.
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