‘Jo Joobin Gongbeom’ Nam Gyeong-eup Sentenced to 17 Years in First Trial

Nam Kyung-eup, who was indicted as an accomplice in Jo Joo-bin's sexual exploitation crimes / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Nam Gyeong-eup (30), who conspired with Jo Joo-bin, the mastermind of the Telegram 'Baksa Room,' to lure victims and produce and distribute sexual exploitation materials, was sentenced to 17 years in prison in the first trial.

At 10 a.m. on the 8th, the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 30 (Chief Judge Lee Hyun-woo) sentenced Nam, who was indicted for violating the Sexual Violence Punishment Act and joining and participating in a criminal organization, to 17 years in prison, stating, "Both the parts of the defendant's crimes that are disputed and those admitted are judged guilty." The court also ordered the attachment of an electronic location tracking device (electronic anklet) for 10 years, a 10-year employment restriction at child and disability-related facilities, completion of 120 hours of sexual violence treatment programs, and disclosure of personal information for 10 years.

The court stated, "The defendant participated in the crimes without a sense of guilt, calling the victims 'slaves' in the Baksa Room, and unlike other members, actively engaged by scouting and luring victims for Jo Joo-bin." It added, "Furthermore, he imitated Jo Joo-bin's criminal methods and even committed independent crimes, so his criminal nature cannot be considered lighter than that of other members."

The court pointed out, "Each victim's identity has been exposed, and it is judged that they are still suffering severe trauma, but it is doubtful whether the defendant has made proper efforts for victim recovery." It added, "Considering these points, it is difficult to impose a light sentence."

Additionally, the court said, "Even while detained and on trial for this case, the defendant brought nude photos of actresses into the detention center, showing a lack of control and regulation over sexual impulses." It concluded, "Due to the risk of reoffending, the prosecution's request for the attachment order was also accepted."

Earlier, Nam was prosecuted for luring five victims through social networking services (SNS) from February to March last year, handing them over to Jo, forcing another victim to be sexually assaulted by an accomplice, and distributing the filmed sexual exploitation materials in the Baksa Room.

In the prosecution's closing argument in April, they requested the court to sentence Nam to 20 years in prison, stating, "Distributing sexual exploitation materials in the criminal group called 'Baksa Room' caused victims irreparable harm for life, so a heavy sentence is appropriate."

On the other hand, Nam's defense attorney denied the charges, stating, "He never conspired to forcibly molest or commit quasi-rape. He was unaware of the Baksa Room case until it was reported in the media and never received any criminal proceeds." They also claimed, "Nam had a strong aversion to actually carrying out the acts beyond collecting videos and even voluntarily reported to the police."

In his final statement, Nam said, "I want to apologize to the victims," but also stated, "I did not receive instructions from Jo Joo-bin or his group." He appealed for leniency, saying, "I will live rightly to be born as a person with a righteous heart."

Meanwhile, on the 1st of last month, Jo was sentenced to 42 years in prison in the appellate trial after being found guilty of organizing a criminal group and other charges.