'Second n-bunbang' Minor Sexual Exploitation Material Production and Distribution... Police Launch Investigation

Sharing of Sexual Exploitation Material on Telegram
Police Consider Possibility of Accomplices

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Suspicious activities involving child sexual exploitation videos have been detected online once again, prompting the police to launch an investigation. The case is highly likely to resemble the 'n번방' incident that shocked the public two years ago.

According to the police on the 31st, the Cyber Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is investigating Mr. A on charges including violation of the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse.

The police believe that Mr. A coerced minors into forcibly filming sexual exploitation videos and then distributed them via online messengers such as Telegram. They are reportedly confirming the detailed circumstances of the crime.

There are multiple victims, and it is reported that related videos number around 300.

The police are also investigating the possibility of multiple accomplices involved with Mr. A. Those who received and further distributed the sexual exploitation materials may also be subject to investigation.

Regarding this, a police official stated, "There is nothing to say other than that the related investigation is currently underway."

The 'n번방' case involved administrators of group chat rooms on Telegram producing and distributing illegal sexual exploitation materials, first revealed to the public in July 2019 through a report by the tracking team 'Bulkkot' (Spark).

Last year, Jo Joo-bin, the operator of the 'Doctor's Room', was sentenced to 42 years in prison, and Moon Hyung-wook, the operator of the 'n번방', was sentenced to 34 years in prison; both are currently serving their sentences.