Second-in-command of the Doctor's Room 'Butta' Kang Hoon Appeals First Trial Verdict

Co-operator of the Telegram 'Doctor's Room' known as 'Butta' Kang Hoon, along with Jo Joo-bin. / Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] Kang Hoon, known as 'Buddha,' who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in the first trial for producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials and organizing a criminal group in collusion with Jo Joo-bin, the operator of the Telegram 'Doctor's Room,' has appealed.

According to the legal community on the 22nd, Kang submitted an appeal to the court on the same day, dissatisfied with the first trial verdict that sentenced him to 15 years in prison the day before.

The day before, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 31 (Chief Judge Jo Seong-pil) sentenced Kang, who was indicted on charges including violation of the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse, to 15 years in prison and ordered him to complete 40 hours of sexual treatment programs.

At that time, the court criticized, "The defendant enslaved and harassed juveniles and established a distorted sexual culture," and "It is true that the victims' identities were exposed and sexual exploitation materials were continuously produced and distributed, causing irreparable damage."

Additionally, the court stated the reason for sentencing, "The defendant actively participated in Jo's crimes while managing the Doctor's Room, posted inducement advertisements targeting victims, and concealed criminal proceeds," and "The nature of the crime is very serious."

Kang, known as the 'second-in-command' of the Doctor's Room, was tried on charges of colluding with Jo from September to November 2019 to threaten 18 victims, including 7 children and adolescents, to film and produce sexual exploitation videos, and sell and distribute them on Telegram for profit.