Kim Nokwan: "I Will Reflect for Life and Work Toward Victim Recovery"
Victims' Side: "Defendants Must Understand the Weight of Their Actions"
First Trial Verdict Scheduled for October 13
Prosecutors have requested a life sentence for Kim Nokwan (33), the ringleader of the "Jakyungdan" cybersex crime syndicate, which caused the largest number of victims in South Korea. The verdict will be delivered on October 13.
On September 8, the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Hyunkyung) held the final hearing for Kim, who was indicted on charges including organizing and operating a criminal group, producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials and illegal recordings, coercing the use of illegal recordings, and quasi-rape. Prosecutors requested not only a life sentence but also a 10-year employment restriction, a 30-year electronic monitoring order, and 5 years of probation conditions.
In his final statement, Kim said, "I want to express my apologies to the victims who suffered because of me," and added, "I will reflect for the rest of my life and do my best to help the victims recover." He also asked for leniency for other defendants who participated in the Jakyungdan Telegram chatroom under his threats, saying, "I hope you will consider leniency for those who became perpetrators because of me."
Kim's attorney also stated in the closing argument, "He admits to all the charges and has acknowledged and reflected on the facts since the investigation stage," and added, "He is writing apology letters to the victims and, if they are willing to receive them, will deliver them by any means possible, so please take this into consideration."
The victims' legal representative, who attended the trial, said, "When I asked some of the victims about the possibility of a settlement, most said that no matter the amount of compensation or the nature of the apology, they could not ask for leniency in sentencing," adding, "I hope the defendants come to understand the gravity of their actions."
Addressing Kim directly, the representative added, "I hope you feel deep remorse not only for the victims I met in person, but also for those who stand here today as both victims and defendants."
From August 2020, Kim organized Jakyungdan, the largest cybersex crime syndicate in South Korea, styling himself as "Pastor" and giving members titles such as "Evangelist" and "Prospective Evangelist." He was put on trial for producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials, illegal recordings, and fake videos; threatening minors and committing sadistic and perverse acts of rape while recording them; and committing additional crimes.
It was also confirmed that Kim sent illegal recordings to victims' fathers, posted them on the so-called "Bakje Channel," or distributed access links to acquaintances as part of his crimes.
There are 261 victims, more than three times the number in the similar Telegram "Nth Room" case (73 victims). Kim and his accomplices produced approximately 2,000 sexual exploitation materials.
The first trial verdict for Kim is scheduled for October 13 at 2 p.m.
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