Women's Groups on Jo Joo-bin's 40-Year Sentence: "Telegram Sexual Exploitation Ends, This Is Just the Beginning"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Following the 40-year prison sentence handed down in the first trial to Jo Joo-bin (24), the operator of the Telegram sexual exploitation group 'Baksa Bang,' women's organizations have called for the eradication of digital sexual violence and protection of victims.

The 'Telegram Sexual Exploitation Joint Countermeasures Committee' held a press conference on the 26th in front of the Seoul Central District Court, stating, "The end of Telegram sexual exploitation is just the beginning," and emphasized, "Efforts to bring victims and perpetrators within the law and system are still urgently needed in many areas." They also pointed out, "Although numerous perpetrators besides Jo Joo-bin are standing trial, it seems that very few are receiving proper punishment."

Kwon Hyo-eun, an activist from the National Solidarity for the Resolution of Prostitution Issues, argued that the court should actively reflect the victims' perspectives. She said, "Sentencing guidelines that reflect the reality of victims and proactive interpretations by the court are necessary," adding, "The court should recognize the victims' harm first without empathizing with the defendant's situation."

Jo Eun-ho, a lawyer from the Women's Rights Committee of the Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun), stated, "I hope that this case will prompt all courts nationwide to reflect on how they have handled digital sexual violence cases," and added, "I hope this becomes an opportunity for the courts to reflect and consider what facilities they should have and how procedures should be conducted to protect victims and guarantee their rights in future digital sexual violence trials."

Meanwhile, the Criminal Division 30 of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Lee Hyun-woo) sentenced Jo, who was detained and indicted on charges including production and distribution of obscene materials under the Child and Youth Sexual Protection Act, to 40 years in prison and ordered him to wear an electronic tracking device (electronic anklet) for 30 years. Five accomplices, including former Geoje City Hall official Cheon Mo (29) and former public service worker Kang Mo (24), were also sentenced to heavy prison terms ranging from 7 to 15 years.