30s Sentenced to Prison for Making Money with Videos of Underage Minors Drinking Alcohol on SNS

Prosecutors Take Strict Stance on 'Possession and Viewing of Sexual Exploitation Material'... 9-Year Prison Sentence Proposed
Minor Victim Aged 15 Also Sentenced to 5 Years in First Trial

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A man in his 30s who was tried on charges of making and distributing videos of sexual acts with multiple women, including minors, with whom he had a dominant-submissive relationship on social networking services (SNS) was sentenced to five years in prison. The victims were also reportedly asked to meet so-called "chodaenam" (invited men). This case was actively prosecuted under the Supreme Prosecutors' Office's recently announced policy of strict punishment for possession and viewing of sexual exploitation materials, with the prosecution working to prove guilt and secure an appropriate sentence.

On the afternoon of the 5th, the 29th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Seungjeong) sentenced A (33), who was indicted for violating the Youth Protection Act (production and distribution of sexual exploitation materials), to five years in prison. He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of sexual violence treatment programs and was banned from employment in institutions related to children, adolescents, and persons with disabilities for five years.

The court stated, "Even if the defendant and the victims had a sexual preference for sadistic acts, producing and publicly posting sexual exploitation materials targeting children and adolescent victims who should be protected to form a healthy perception and values about sex is unacceptable," adding, "This induces crimes of viewing and possessing sexual exploitation materials, forms distorted sexual values among viewers, and poses the risk of secondary damage through external leakage."

Previously, A was prosecuted on charges of raping multiple victims with whom he had a dominant-submissive relationship and posting videos of such acts on SNS platforms like Twitter. Among the victims was a minor under the age of 15. It was found that A used the videos for profit by having victims engage in sexual acts with other men for commercial purposes and distributing the footage.

During the trial, A denied some charges, claiming he believed the victims consented. However, the court said, "Based on the defendant's confession, testimonies from victims and witnesses, and related evidence, all charges are recognized as guilty," and added, "The exhibition of videos against the victims' will and the intent behind the crimes are acknowledged."

A prosecution official said, "After the Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced the strict punishment policy, we made every effort to maintain the prosecution," and added, "We presented evidence to prove sadistic intent in court and tried to protect the victims' psychological state."

The prosecution began investigating after a complaint from one victim and identified multiple victims, including minors, conducting a thorough investigation. Since the prosecution initially requested a heavy sentence of nine years in prison for A, they plan to review the first trial verdict and decide whether to appeal.

On the 7th of last month, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office instructed local prosecutors' offices to strictly adhere to related manuals and case handling standards to eradicate digital sex crimes and prevent the spread of sexual exploitation materials, and to actively respond during the trial phase. They also established a plan to actively appeal court rulings that deviate from sentencing guidelines.