"An Absolutely Unacceptable Incident" Jo Joo-bin Sparks Outrage at Orphanage Volunteer Activity

Jo Joo-bin, Consistently Volunteering at Orphanages and Other Places
Orphanage Official 'Shocked' "Where Children Are... Absolutely Unacceptable"
Photos of 'Sex Offender' Jo Volunteering Show Him Next to Elementary Students

A man in his 20s, identified as Mr. A, who was arrested on charges of threatening minors and others to produce sexual exploitation materials and distributing them via the mobile messenger Telegram, is seen leaving the courtroom after a warrant hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 19th. The so-called "Baksa-bang," a paid obscene channel operated by Mr. A on Telegram, contained numerous sexual exploitation videos and photos targeting minors and several women.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kang Joo-hee] The suspect Jo Joo-bin (25) in the so-called 'Telegram Nth Room' case, who threatened minors and women to create sexually exploitative materials and sold them to men for money, has been revealed to have volunteered at orphanages in the past, intensifying public outrage. He maintained a thoroughly dual life, showing a completely different face to those unrelated to his crimes while continuing his daily routine. A representative from one orphanage appeared to be deeply shocked.

On the 24th, a representative from an orphanage where Jo had volunteered told Asia Economy over the phone, "This is something that should never happen where children are present," expressing anger. The representative repeatedly emphasized, "This is absolutely unacceptable."

Despite ordering various sadistic acts against women, including minors, and committing crimes, Jo reportedly served as a deputy team leader in a volunteer group and personally managed year-end events.

Jo Joo-bin was also actively involved in volunteering at other orphanages. Moreover, he continued volunteer work at facilities for the disabled. However, it is reported that he stopped volunteering, including visits to orphanages, earlier this year due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease.

Images of Jo’s volunteer activities released through the media show a stark contrast to his brutal criminal persona. Wearing a gray hoodie and sweatpants, he is seen enjoying leisure time playing Go with a child, looking like a genuinely kind young man.

SBS '8 News' has disclosed the personal information of Jo Joo-bin, the key suspect in the 'Telegram Nth Room' case. / Photo by SBS Broadcast Capture

While volunteering, he also attended a sports day event, clasping his hands together and enjoying a fun time with children according to the rules of the games. Next to Jo, a student with a bright expression can be seen.

Additionally, Jo Joo-bin was seen happily cooking with students who appeared to be around seven years old. There is no sign of the sexual offender who threatened minor women and committed sadistic acts.

Citizens expressed chills at Jo’s dual nature and unanimously called for strict punishment. A man in his 30s, identified as A, said, "It gives me chills. Was the criminal just showing a good face outwardly?" He added, "Looking at the volunteer activities revealed by the media, there are many young female students, so naturally, I am worried because he is a sex offender."

Another man in his 30s, B, commented, "I can’t help but think that even the volunteer work had some criminal purpose." He emphasized, "I hope he receives severe punishment."

A Blue House petition demanding the strict punishment of Jo Joo-bin has surpassed 2 million supporters. Photo by Blue House petition.

Experts analyzed that Jo Joo-bin’s motive was not sexual perversion but purely financial gain. Professor Lee Soo-jung, a criminal psychology professor at Kyonggi University, appeared on CBS Radio’s 'Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show' on the 24th and said, "(Jo Joo-bin) is truly dual. His worldview was likely split in half, leading to his behavior."

She explained, "There was the pro-social self offline and, on the other hand, a horrific predator online, a ruthless and merciless figure. The basis for such cruelty is actually money," she analyzed.

Professor Lee emphasized, "If he learned that he could earn that level of criminal profit in a short period, it is more likely that he chose this life for very rational reasons rather than being a sexual pervert from the start."

Meanwhile, the police will hold a personal information disclosure review committee today (the 24th) to decide whether to disclose Jo’s real name, face, age, and other personal details. The disclosure decision will be made by a review committee composed of three internal police members and four external members. If Jo’s identity is disclosed, it will be the first case for a sex crime offender.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.