Accounts with Nudity and Obscene Language
Widely Found on Twitter and Other SNS
Potential Targets for Sexual Exploitation Crimes
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] "Start of the Iltal-gye." "Hello, long time no see. #Iltal"
After the Nth Room incident, the 'Iltal-gye' (accounts engaging in deviant behavior) that had been relatively quiet is resurfacing. Iltal-gye refers to accounts created to attract attention by posting photos exposing parts of their bodies on social networking services (SNS) or to exchange obscene language. Even if it is one's own body, distributing such obscene material is a criminal act, but a bigger problem is that adolescents within these Iltal-gye accounts can be exploited as targets of crimes.
On the 1st, searching specific keywords on SNS platforms like Twitter reveals many Iltal-gye accounts posting partial body images and obscene language. Posts were also found stating that after ceasing activities following the Nth Room incident, they recently restarted Iltal-gye accounts. Some Iltal-gye users, presumed to be adolescents, posted photos wearing school uniforms. They did not reveal their personal information but encouraged contact via messages to exchange obscene language. Under the current Information and Communications Network Act, even if the person appearing in obscene material is oneself, distributing it is punishable by up to one year imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million won.
What is important is that Iltal-gye users can become victims of sexual exploitation crimes. Moon Hyung-wook (24), the Nth Room creator known as 'GodGod,' used Iltal-gye to approach children and adolescents, steal personal information, and threaten them to demand exposing photos. He then escalated the severity to produce sexual exploitation obscene materials and distributed them in the Nth Room. He also recruited accomplices and instructed them to sexually assault these victimized children and adolescents. Such crimes have been increasing annually, with 1,824 cases detected by the police last year, a 22.9% increase compared to the previous year. The damage amount also surged from 3.03 billion won in 2018 to 5.52 billion won last year.
Experts emphasize the need for strict punishment of crimes targeting Iltal-gye users and guidance to prevent children and adolescents from falling into Iltal-gye. Lee Hyun-sook, Executive Director of the child and adolescent support organization Taktin Tomorrow, explained, "Strong punishment for those who access Iltal-gye and commit crimes must come first," adding, "Since there are various cases such as children and adolescents using Iltal-gye due to deprivation or being threatened by criminals, related agencies need to make efforts to contact them and provide counseling."
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