'Private Photo Shoot' Secretly Distributed via Telegram

Private Photo Shoot, Closed Space with Limited Participants
High Exposure Level Photo Shoot

Two Years Ago, YouTuber Yang Yewon Exposed
Secret Sharing of Leaked Photos from Private Shoots via Telegram

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Two years ago, the 'Yang Ye-won Incident' sparked controversy over private photoshoots. Photos taken during these private photoshoots are being illegally distributed on Telegram, indicating the need for judicial authorities to take action. Despite the Yang case, private photoshoots continue to be widespread, maintaining the ongoing risk of distribution of obscene images.

Private photoshoots take place in closed spaces with only specific photographers participating. It is common for photos with a high level of nudity to be taken. Women who agree to be photographed for compensation believe the photos will be strictly managed, but they can be distributed through unexpected channels. In fact, on the 19th, a group chat on Telegram illegally sharing leaked photos from private photoshoots posted real-time nude photos of women. All were taken at private photoshoot sessions. The photos had no mosaic blurring on faces or sensitive body parts. The chatroom, created on the 14th, had about 650 users participating.

When approached, the chatroom operator introduced himself as someone who had previously worked in photoshoot-related activities. When asked about the source of the photos, he said, "I belong to a group of paid members of a specific site and am extracting photos from there." A police official stated, "We will strictly respond to illegal activities such as the distribution of private photoshoot photos."

The issue of private photoshoots became a social issue after YouTuber Yang Ye-won's revelation two years ago. In 2015, Yang filed a complaint alleging sexual harassment and threats during a model shoot at a studio, and the distribution of semi-nude photos. Choi Mo (46), who was prosecuted for sexually harassing Yang and distributing the photos, was sentenced by the Supreme Court last August to 2 years and 6 months in prison, a 5-year employment ban in related institutions, and 80 hours of sexual violence treatment lectures.