Acknowledgment of Conspiracy with Jo Joo-bin
"The Crime Is Very Serious," Criticized
Another Accomplice Han Mo Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison
Gang Hoon, known as 'Butta,' co-operator of the Telegram 'Doctor's Room' along with Jo Joo-bin. / Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@
[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Kang Hoon, known as 'Butta,' who was indicted for producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials in collusion with Jo Joo-bin, the operator of the Telegram 'Baksa Room,' and organizing a criminal group, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in the first trial.
The Criminal Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court (Chief Judge Seongpil Cho) sentenced Kang, who was charged with violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse, on the morning of the 21st and ordered him to complete a 40-hour sexual treatment program. The court criticized, "The defendant enslaved and harassed juveniles and established a distorted sexual culture," adding, "It is true that the victims' identities were exposed and sexual exploitation materials were continuously produced and distributed, causing irreparable damage." The court also stated, "The defendant actively participated in Jo's crimes by managing the Baksa Room, posting lure advertisements for victims, and concealing criminal proceeds," and judged that "the nature of the crime is very serious."
Kang's defense argued during the trial that "the production of sexual exploitation materials and the threats to victims were solely Jo's crimes." They also denied the charges of organizing and operating a criminal organization. However, the court rejected this claim, stating, "The defendant was well aware that Jo was producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials and made significant contributions to managing the Baksa Room." The court defined the relationship between Kang and Jo as conspiratorial.
The court also sentenced another accomplice, Han, to 11 years in prison. Han was tried on charges of attempting to sexually assault juvenile victims under Jo's orders but failed. He was also charged with sexually abusing victims by forcing them to perform obscene acts, recording these acts on video, and sending them to Jo for distribution through the Baksa Room. The court said, "The victims' honor suffered irreparable damage," and "the nature of the crime is very bad."
Previously, the main perpetrator Jo was sentenced to 40 years in prison in November last year for organizing a criminal group and other charges. The first appeal trial is scheduled for the 26th. Separately from this case, the prosecution additionally indicted him on charges of concealing criminal proceeds and quasi-rape. In the sentencing hearing held the day before, the prosecution demanded a 15-year prison sentence.
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