"Protesting Until Harsh Punishment for Sexual Crimes" The Reason 'Anonymous Women' Gathered [Interview]

Interview with 'eNd', the protest team urging strict punishment for 'n번방' sexual exploitation
"Judiciary lacks gender sensitivity... Victims must be considered"
"Demand full disclosure of identities of all involved in 'n번방'"
"Presence in court makes a clear difference... Continuous attention needed"

Citizens participating in the event titled 'People Angry About Son Jung-woo's Denial of Extradition to the U.S.' held a rally on the afternoon of the 10th in front of Seocho Station on Seoul Subway Line 2, condemning the judiciary for refusing Son's extradition to the U.S. The rally was held under the theme 'We, the Angry, Are Coming.' [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Seunggon Han, Gayun Kim, intern reporter Seulgi Kim] "Even if you do not want it, the world has already changed."

There is an organization that continuously pursues the perpetrators of the 'Nth Room' case, including Jo Joo-bin (25), the operator of the 'Doctor's Room' who committed brutal sex crimes by threatening minors and women to produce sexual exploitation materials and distributing them online via Telegram, and Kang Hoon (18), known as 'Butta', who is accused of leading digital sex crimes alongside him, as well as other potential criminals. They also hold protests condemning courts that show leniency toward sex offenders.

According to them, members of the organization refer to themselves as 'anonymous individual women.' Any woman can participate in the protests and raise their voices on sex crime cases such as the 'Nth Room' incident. Anyone can freely join.

Recently, they held a rally condemning the court's refusal to extradite Son Jung-woo (24), who was arrested on charges including operating the world's largest child sexual exploitation dark web site 'Welcome to Video,' to the United States.

At protest sites, they are called the 'Nth Room Sexual Exploitation Strong Punishment Rally Team' or the 'eNd Protest Team.' The 'N' stands for 'Nth Room,' and 'eNd' signifies the intention to end sexual exploitation and sex crimes against women.

We met activists known as 'Sterilization,' 'Universe,' 'Stairs,' and 'Well-being,' who operate as 'anonymous women,' at the Asia Economy building to hear about their reasons for holding rallies and their future plans.

Telegram 'Doctor's Room' Jo Joo-bin (25, detained), who threatened minors to produce and distribute sexual exploitation materials [Image source=Yonhap News]

Below is a Q&A with the 'eNd Protest Team'

- I am curious about the background of the 'anonymous women' organization. It is not just one or two people but dozens working together for the same purpose.

▲Sterilization: After continuously petitioning, when the 'Nth Room' case broke out, I saw many posts on social networking services (SNS) from women saying things like 'Shouldn't we at least protest?' and 'Is there anyone who will take charge of the protest team?' After several months passed without anyone stepping up, I posted in various women-centered communities saying 'Let's protest together,' and eventually became the leader. I recruited protest team members by posting in several communities.

Well-being: This is my first time participating as a protest team staff. At first, I was passive, but as I participated, I became more active.

- Have any anonymous 'men' offered support or expressed solidarity?

▲Well-being: There was a male applicant, but we rejected him. Also, the next cafe where protest team applications are possible is set to allow only women to join. For safety risks and staff protection, male applicants are not accepted.

- Are there specific roles for each team?

▲Well-being: The safety team assigns members to different zones during protests to protect participants and staff. Especially in such protests, illegal filming can occur, so they try to prevent that. The goal is to conduct legal protests while protecting participants' safety and handing over any unexpected situations to nearby police.

Stairs: The social team writes scripts for hosting the protest.

Well-being: The accounting team handles financial matters. We received donations last time, and we operate the protest team with that money. Usually, transportation costs for attending hearings are self-funded, but for trials held in provincial courts, we support express bus or rental costs for activists living in the metropolitan area.

- Recently, you have urged severe punishment for the digital sexual exploitation perpetrator 'Black President.' You are also conducting a 'severe punishment relay.' Many women are showing solidarity. What are your thoughts?

▲Stairs: The protest team was formed around late December last year to early January this year. Since no visible verdicts have come out yet, it can be discouraging, and some people who do not continuously pay attention to the Nth Room case call it 'short-lived enthusiasm.' However, the fact that women who show solidarity still exist gives us strength.

Universe: It feels reassuring to think that we are walking the path together. Even though I do not know the faces, names, or where the women who share the same opinions live, just knowing they exist and are with us is comforting and empowering. The protest team also feels motivated to take the lead and be more active.

The 'eNd' team, advocating for the strong punishment of the Nth Room case, raised their voices in protest on the 7th in front of the Seoul High Court against the court's decision to reject the United States' request to extradite Son Jung-woo (24), the operator of the world's largest child sexual exploitation site 'Welcome to Video.'
[Image source=Yonhap News]

- You participate in court hearings. Are there any memorable or incomprehensible trial processes?

▲Well-being: At the trial of Mr. Kang, known as 'Jamkachu,' on May 19, the defense lawyer mentioned an unhappy family background to request leniency. However, the perpetrator's family illegally filmed the women sitting in the gallery. It is absurd that the perpetrator's family, who asked for leniency claiming to educate the offender who committed illegal filming, committed illegal filming again.

It is ridiculous to see the defendant submit dozens of apology letters. Some lawyers ask for leniency due to unfortunate family circumstances or domestic violence, while others ask for leniency because the defendant was diligent and had a harmonious family. It is an ironic situation.

On May 27, Kang Hoon's defense used the term 'porn' instead of 'sexual exploitation material.' Kang Hoon claimed he was Jo Joo-bin's puppet and also a victim who was threatened. The shameless attitude of the defense and defendant is what I remember most. It is absurd to think about how the defense came up with such a strategy, considering how perpetrator-centered the judiciary's rulings have been. As the Nth Room case grew and hearing solidarity began, the judiciary became cautious, aware of the audience's gaze, and made careful rulings. It is bitter to think about how trials of cases that were not publicized much proceeded.

On the 10th, members of the 'Demanding Severe Punishment for Nth Room Sexual Exploitation' held a press conference in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong, condemning the judiciary's refusal to extradite Sohn Jung-woo to the United States. [Image source=Yonhap News]

- Do you think court hearing solidarity directly influences judicial rulings?

▲Well-being: Because there is a movement urging severe punishment and many people are watching, it seems difficult for the judiciary to overlook the cases. We submit petitions systematically and send complaint calls and faxes. The judiciary should be a place that enforces justice and imposes appropriate punishment on offenders. Therefore, I hope they give strict judgments, even if superficially. For that, court hearing solidarity is essential.

Stairs: Since people are watching, the judiciary seems more alert than when no one is watching. We want to instill the idea that they are being watched to prevent lenient punishments.

Sterilization: Usually, there are few court hearing supporters, so judges have not often experienced a fully packed gallery. With many solidarity groups, judges think that even minor remarks can become problematic. As a result, they are more cautious, and if there is a wrong statement during the trial, they immediately issue statements or condemnations, so judges tend to be more careful.

Universe: Ultimately, sentencing changes. In June, Mr. Bae received the maximum sentence at Chuncheon District Court. It is the only case where the defendant was a high school student and did not receive leniency in digital sex crimes. However, cases related to the Nth Room that are less attended and less reported have lower sentences. Comparing these cases makes me feel that court hearing solidarity should be more frequent. The perpetrator once called 'Watchman' had his trial date extended and the prosecution amended the indictment after the Nth Room case became public. I believe all these results are because many people showed interest.

On May 23rd, a 'Banner to Prevent Secondary Harm from the Nth Room Case' was posted near the Seogyo-dong Community Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

- What do you think about the media's handling of the 'Telegram Nth Room' case?

▲Well-being: I worry most about victims who see perpetrator-centered reports. The media uses provocative descriptions about how heinous the crimes were, but victims encounter their own victimization through these articles. It is upsetting that victims are continuously exposed to secondary victimization. When a crime occurs, we must not forget that there are victims. We should focus on whether the perpetrators have received appropriate punishment. Unfortunately, this essential point is often overlooked.

Sterilization: Unless people take an interest and follow the trials, most encounter the case through articles. The media greatly influences social opinion, but many reports seem to prioritize views and money over sharing information about perpetrators' narratives or facts. Especially for lesser-known Nth Room perpetrators, there are almost no articles. There is a disparity in coverage. The media's role is to provide information neutrally, so I hope they report properly.

Stairs: After attending trials, I saw some articles that sensationalized the events. Within the bounds of truth, they report provocatively, not to foster solidarity but to attract attention. For the victims' sake, I hope they avoid reporting provocative details straightforwardly.

Universe: I believe victim protection should be the top priority in reporting sex crime cases. Often, reports focus on perpetrators without proper victim protection. I have also seen distorted trial reports. While not completely false, many media outlets subtly misrepresent key points.

Stairs: Those who attend court hearings seem to care more about victims. The media, which has greater social influence than individuals, is disappointing.

- The judiciary continues to be criticized for lacking 'gender sensitivity.' What are your thoughts?

▲Well-being: The judiciary does not consider that it can cause secondary victimization to victims. They treat victim-side lawyers who worry about secondary victimization as strange or overly sensitive and create an odd atmosphere. Moreover, defense lawyers use the term 'porn' instead of 'sexual exploitation material,' and most courts use 'obscene material' instead. These remarks show a significant lack of gender sensitivity. Although some courts try to be careful not to cause secondary victimization when viewing video evidence, the defense's strategies to protect the defendant have been effective in past trials. I often feel the judiciary's system is completely detached from victim protection.

A rally of women condemning the decision not to extradite Son Jung-woo (24), who was prosecuted for operating the world's largest child sexual exploitation site "Welcome to Video," was held on the afternoon of the 7th at the East Gate of the Seoul Central District Court. They criticized the judiciary, saying, "The judiciary is also an accomplice." Photo by Seulgi Kim, Intern Reporter sabiduriakim@asiae.co.kr

- Do you have any messages for the women who stand in solidarity with you?

▲Well-being: It is regrettable that the momentum is fading, but many individuals continue to show interest and solidarity. There are many times when I feel angry and exhausted, but knowing that there are women who consistently stand in solidarity gives me great strength. I wanted to protest before the 21st National Assembly started, but I couldn't, which is disappointing. There have been many sexual exploitation crimes against women, such as Burning Sun and Soranet. After public interest fades, the verdicts are often terrible. I am desperately worried that the Nth Room case might end the same way. Especially since general men are the main perpetrators in this case. If this case is also brushed aside... Therefore, I want to ask for continued and steady solidarity.

Stairs: The phrase that stuck with me most is, 'If we stop solidarity here, we are promoting the Nth Room.'

Universe: I think many people have grown weary of helplessness. I am most grateful that you continue to fight to eliminate sexual crimes against women without giving up. Even if each woman fights with a small voice, when combined, it will be powerful. I believe the deeply rooted crimes against women will disappear. This will be a historic moment. Surely, someday, people will say, 'There was a time when such lenient punishments were given?' Future women must be safer, and I hope that will happen.

- When urging the court, are there important points or concerns you focus on?

▲Well-being: I often write that public disclosure of personal information is the strongest discussion for eradicating these crimes. Considering the defendants' attitudes and their families' sensitivity to personal information being revealed, it seems that what they fear most is the disclosure of their identities. If buyers see that offenders' identities are publicly disclosed as examples, they will be more cautious. I hope perpetrators and buyers tremble in fear of their identities being revealed and await judgment. Since identity disclosure is what they fear most, I believe it is one of the surest ways to eradicate these crimes.

Universe: The Nth Room case did not happen only because of the main perpetrators. There were many buyers and participants, so reducing it to just the main perpetrators is like minimizing a huge criminal cartel. I think there is no need to distinguish between 'main perpetrators' and 'simple participants.' Because perpetrators exist only because participants did. They are equal criminals.

Well-being: If all participants are not punished, some with a hero complex among them will emerge, leading to new suppliers and continuous links.

Sterilization: I hope they impose heavy punishments, considering these people could potentially commit even greater crimes.

On the afternoon of the 7th, a protest condemning Son Jung-woo, who was denied extradition to the United States, was held at the east gate of the Seoul Central District Court. Immediately after the rally, women criticized the judiciary through Post-it notes. Photo by Seulgi Kim, intern reporter sabiduriakim@asiae.co.kr

- The Korea Cyber Sexual Violence Response Center said, "Women demand identity disclosure not simply for the sake of it but because they do not trust the judiciary." What is your opinion?

▲Universe: I agree. If only punishment occurs without identity disclosure, and if the punishment was severe, identity disclosure would lead to social criticism. The fact that perpetrators fear identity disclosure more is because they do not trust the judiciary; society itself becomes a prison.

Well-being: Once identity is disclosed, perpetrators must feel the fear that 'people might know me.' The decisive moment when women lost trust in the judiciary was due to biased investigations.

Stairs: Identity disclosure is unfairly applied depending on gender, so women distrust the judiciary more.

Universe: The reason for losing trust in the judiciary was that the judge handling Jo Joo-bin's case proceeded while considering that the trial could cause secondary victimization. However, in cases with little solidarity, secondary victimization against victims occurred. I cannot trust the judiciary at all. There was a case where only one reporter and one audience member viewed victim evidence (videos) in court.

- Lastly, do you have any message you want to convey to our society?

▲Stairs: Even if you do not want it, the world has already changed.

Universe: No matter how much society tries to ignore and dismiss women's voices, the voices will grow too loud to ignore. Those who ignore will be left behind, and women will lead the changing world. The urgency gives us the driving force to continue protest team activities. When I continue solidarity alone, I sometimes feel isolated. Although offline interest is fading, I do not feel alone because I can talk directly with protest team members about cases. This feeling greatly influences me.

Sterilization: Korean society has lost women's trust due to its past behavior. If women are considered citizens to be protected, proper punishment should be imposed. Women will no longer be deceived.

Well-being: There was a saying that women are second-class citizens, but now, thanks to many women raising public awareness, things are gradually improving. We are bringing to light what was hidden beneath. We are uncovering many past cases one by one, so do not think women will stop halfway. Women must be properly protected as rightful citizens. This is the opportunity. I believe the Nth Room case is the last line. This time, it must be done properly. We must not back down here.

Universe: From a general person's perspective, court hearings seem difficult to attend. Before I went once, I did not even know about court hearings. But they are more accessible than expected, and the barrier is not high. I hope many women come to court hearing solidarity when they have time. If it seems difficult, the protest team accepts inquiries via official email. These are people you might have passed by, so it was shocking. If you are a woman weighed down by helplessness, I hope you come once. When the defendant's lawyer says something strange, everyone stops writing, sighs, and this affects the trial atmosphere.

Stairs: After attending a court hearing, I carelessly threw away the ticket, and my parents said, 'Isn't this that guy?' I realized then that this case has grown so big that even older generations know about it. Since it has become so serious across all generations, if the punishment ends lightly, it would be a betrayal of women. I believe the Nth Room is the last line for eradicating digital sex crimes.

Meanwhile, 'anonymous women' plan to continue holding rallies criticizing the judiciary's lenient punishments for sex offenders. The group planning the 'Nth Room Sexual Exploitation Strong Punishment Rally' on the 25th stated, "For safety, the exact location will be separately notified to supporters through the cafe."