Choi Chan-wook, who produced and distributed sexual exploitation materials, resembles the confident Jo Joo-bin
"Could you please let go of my arm?" Kim Tae-hyun lowered his mask while demanding to the police
Expert: "Omnipotence online, heightened self-awareness"
Jo Joo-bin (left), who operated the so-called 'Nth Room' on the messenger Telegram and produced and distributed videos of sexual exploitation of minors, and Choi Chan-wook (right), who is accused of sexually assaulting minors and producing and distributing sexually exploitative materials./Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Choi Chan-wook (26), who is accused of sexually assaulting minors and producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials, revealed his face to the press on the 24th. On that day, Choi expressed his feelings clearly as if prepared, saying, "I am grateful that the adults saved me," and showed a confident attitude by voluntarily lowering his mask.
Some pointed out that Choi's demeanor is similar to that of Jo Joo-bin, the main culprit of the so-called 'Doctor's Room' case who produced and distributed sexual exploitation videos on the messenger Telegram, and Kim Tae-hyun, who brutally murdered a mother and her two daughters. Although they all say "sorry" to the victims and citizens, their facial expressions and attitudes show no signs of remorse, drawing heavy criticism.
A criminal psychology expert noted that their behavior, which exploited people omnipotently in cyberspace, is also manifested in real life.
Choi appeared for the first time in front of the press at the detention center of Dunsan Police Station in Seo-gu, Daejeon, as he was sent to the prosecution on charges of violating the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse.
Choi was arrested on the 16th on charges of producing sexual exploitation materials targeting boys he met through social networking services (SNS) over the past five years since May 2016, as well as downloading and storing obscene materials of minors found online.
Regarding the reason for his crimes, he said, "I started out of curiosity after seeing things like slave and master play on social media, and it has come this far." He added, "I am grateful that the adults saved me before it got worse." Choi, who voluntarily removed his glasses and mask, even revealed his occupation, showing no signs of being intimidated.
He then said, "I am thankful that there are people who respect someone like me," as he got into the escort vehicle. Choi's mention of "thanks" sparked public outrage online with comments such as "He reminds me of Jo Joo-bin" and "He is shameless."
Kim Tae-hyun brutally murdered three mothers and daughters in an apartment in Nowon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Earlier, in March last year, Jo Joo-bin, who was accused of producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials of children, adolescents, and women, also showed a confident attitude in front of the media, drawing public anger. He said to reporters, "Thank you for stopping the devil's life that I couldn't stop," while continuously staring straight ahead. Jo is currently appealing a 42-year prison sentence and has filed a final appeal to the Supreme Court.
Kim Tae-hyun, who murdered a mother and her two daughters in an apartment in Nowon-gu, Seoul, also showed a relaxed demeanor in front of the photo line in April, asking the police, "Could you please let go of my arms for a moment?" He made eye contact with reporters and nodded. Although he knelt down and said "sorry," he held his head high and calmly delivered his prepared statement. His confident demeanor drew sighs at the scene.
Kim Tae-hyun met the eldest daughter, one of the victims, through the online game 'League of Legends' (LoL) in December last year, stalked her continuously, broke into the house, and brutally murdered the mother, younger sister, and eldest daughter. Kim is currently detained at the Seoul Eastern Detention Center and is scheduled for his second trial on the 29th.
Professor Lim Joon-tae of Dongguk University's Department of Police Science, a criminal psychology expert, said on a broadcast, "Ordinary criminals usually lower their heads or have difficulty speaking when standing at the photo line. Kim Tae-hyun showed a completely different attitude, which enraged the public, making him a very bad criminal."
He added, "Seeing his strange reaction of trying to appear confident to the media, it is difficult to explain him with the usual types of serial killers or serious criminals."
Professor Lee Soo-jung of Kyonggi University's Department of Psychology explained that their attitudes reflect the omnipotent exploitation of people in cyberspace manifesting in real life.
Professor Lee analyzed, "They seem to be standing at the photo line for the first time and appear to have no understanding of the criminal procedure. They may not understand how to present themselves advantageously. Also, having been active online for a long time, exploiting people and leaving them helpless, their self-esteem seems to be elevated."
She continued, "This can be seen as a characteristic of young people isolated in cyberspace. However, as they go through trials, they sometimes shed tears and show changes in attitude over time."
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