Major Foreign Media Focus on 'Jo Joo-bin Sentenced to 40 Years'... "Korea is Lenient on Sex Crimes"

[Asia Economy Reporter Su-yeon Woo] Major foreign media outlets are paying close attention to the first trial verdict of Jo Joo-bin, the operator of the 'Baksa Bang' who is accused of producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials involving minors. Foreign media criticized the causes and consequences of this case, pointing out that Korean society appears relatively lenient toward sex crimes.

The American daily newspaper The Washington Post (WP) also published an article titled "Korean Operator of Sexual Exploitation Room Threatening Dozens of Women Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison," stating, "This case stems from a culture in Korean society that does not respect women," and added, "It can be seen as an example of weak laws against digital sex crimes and light punishments for sex offenders."

Jo Joo-bin, the operator of the 'Doctor's Room' who produced and distributed videos of child sexual exploitation, is being transferred from Jongno Police Station in Seoul to the prosecution. Photo by Yonhap News

Britain's BBC criticized the 40-year sentence given to Jo Joo-bin as potentially a light punishment. The BBC reported, "Jo Joo-bin was sentenced to 40 years in prison, but the prosecution sought a life sentence," and "Accomplices received much lighter sentences (compared to Jo Joo-bin)."

Additionally, the BBC added, "Concerns remain that victims of sex crimes are not receiving the necessary support," and "The anger will not end here."

On the 26th (local time), the American CNN also covered Jo Joo-bin’s criminal methods and the issue of misogyny in Korean society in detail through an article titled "Korean Online Sexual Exploitation Room Operator Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison."

CNN reported, "In 2018, tens of thousands of women took to the streets to protest illegal filming rampant in motels and public restrooms," and "The Korean police revealed the existence of online chat rooms sharing obscene materials and even pointed to K-pop stars as suspects."

In addition, major news agencies such as AP and AFP also gave significant coverage and showed interest in Jo Joo-bin’s first trial sentencing.