Criminals' Faces, Real Names, Alma Maters, and Contact Info Disclosed
Users Debate "Should Continue Operation" vs "Information Disclosure Is Illegal"
Operator Says "Lenient Punishment for Criminals Has Limits... Deserve Social Judgment"
The 'Digital Prison' website that disclosed personal information such as photos and real names of heinous criminals including sex offenders. Photo by 'Digital Prison' website capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Controversy is intensifying around the website Digital Gyodoso, which publicly discloses personal information of individuals presumed to be violent criminals such as sex offenders. Among users, there are arguments that revealing the identities of heinous criminals is necessary, while others point out that disclosing personal information is illegal, leading to ongoing debates. The operator of Digital Gyodoso stated, "I know that running this site is clearly illegal, but I am prepared to face punishment," adding, "I will not stop until I die."
The site, which uses a Russian domain, posts photos, crime details, and phone numbers of Korean criminals or suspects who have caused social unrest before prosecution. The controversy is expected to continue, especially since anyone can view personal information such as names, ages, and educational backgrounds.
On the site's front page on the 7th, personal information is posted for individuals including Son Jung-woo (24), who operated the child sexual exploitation site 'Welcome to Video,' the late Choi Sook-hyun's alleged abusers such as the Gyeongju City Hall coach and team doctor, and users of the Nth Room who produced and distributed sexual exploitation materials. So far, over 100 suspects have had their names listed.
Previously, Kim Gyu-bong, the triathlon coach of Gyeongju City Hall, who was identified as an abuser of the late athlete Choi, attended an emergency full meeting of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on the 6th and completely denied the assault allegations. On that day, Coach Kim claimed, "It is unfortunate that Choi lost her life, but I have nothing to apologize for as I did not commit any assault."
However, a sports therapist known as the team doctor was said to have been witnessed committing violence during training camps. When asked, "What did you do when Choi was being indiscriminately beaten?" he claimed, "I never assaulted anyone and stopped the team doctor when I heard the player being hit."
Team doctor Mr. A is a figure appearing in a recording left by Choi. In the recording, he verbally abused and assaulted her with phrases like "Come here, bite your teeth!" and "If you show a sulky face from tomorrow, I won't leave you alone."
The 'Digital Prison' website that disclosed personal information such as photos and real names of heinous criminals including sex offenders. Photo by 'Digital Prison' website capture
Currently, the site displays photos, names, phone numbers, and other personal information of people presumed to be sex offenders, along with articles related to the assault on the late athlete Choi.
In the site’s introduction, the operator explained the reason for its creation: "Feeling the limits of South Korea's lenient punishments, we decided to directly disclose their personal information to subject them to social judgment."
He added, "Criminals are evolving and leveling up due to the judiciary's slap-on-the-wrist punishments. What they fear most is the disclosure of their identities."
Digital Gyodoso provides information on the trial schedules of criminal defendants and also accepts tips related to personal information. In another notice, the operator encouraged criticism and condemnation of criminals and suspects by stating, "All comments cannot be punished in South Korea. Enjoy freedom of expression."
Currently, Digital Gyodoso hosts its servers overseas, and since the only applicable charge is defamation, it is expected to be difficult to track down the operator.
Users are showing positive reactions toward Digital Gyodoso’s operation. One user said, "This site was created because we cannot trust the judiciary. Even looking at the Son Jung-woo case alone, I believe the site’s existence is justified."
Another user commented, "Many people feel that punishments for heinous criminals are too lenient. I wonder how far it had to go for a site exposing criminals' identities to be created. Personally, I hope the site continues to operate for the public’s right to know."
On the other hand, some argue that operating the site is another crime, citing illegal disclosure of personal information as a violation of the law. The Korea Communications Standards Commission has received three complaints requesting the blocking of access to Digital Gyodoso.
Meanwhile, in an interview with JTBC, Park, the operator of Digital Gyodoso, said, "I was furious when I found out my cousin was a victim of the Nth Room," explaining, "At that time, widespread hacking was used to catch sellers and buyers, which led to the creation of this site."
It is understood that the operator previously ran a social media account exposing personal information of sex crime suspects from the Nth Room and Doctor’s Room cases but had the account suspended in May, after which he started building the website.
He also said he took action for the citizens. "Serial sexual assaults on 5-6-year-old children result in only about eight years of imprisonment. Since such criminals are roaming free, I created this site to raise awareness and caution."
He continued, "Because the judiciary operates this way, Digital Gyodoso came into being," criticizing, "They only submit apology letters to government agencies, not to the victims."
He emphasized that although he knows that disclosing personal information is illegal, he will not stop operating the site. Park said, "I consider myself a 'serial defamer by factual reporting.'"
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