"No Words for Real Victims, Only Celebrities?" 'Silence' Jo Joo-bin, Full of Misogynistic Views

On the Photoline, "Apologies to Son Seokhoe, Yoon Janghyun, and Kim Woong"
Silent on Question "Don't You Feel Guilty?"
Citizens Express Anger: "No Remorse," "Absurd," "Furious"
Pyo Changwon: "Jo Joo-bin's Actions Were Highly Calculated"
Experts Call for Stronger Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes

Telegram Doctor's Room operator Jo Joo-bin is leaving Jongno Police Station in Seoul on the 25th.
Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Criticism is growing over the fact that Cho Joo-bin (25, in custody), the suspect in the so-called 'Nth Room' case, refuses to apologize to the female victims. He only mentioned famous figures such as Sohn Suk-hee (64), CEO of JTBC, while remaining silent toward the victims.

Experts analyzed that Cho Joo-bin's behavior could be misogynistic and calculated.

At around 8:40 a.m. on the 25th, Cho Joo-bin appeared after leaving Jongno Police Station in Seoul. He said to the press, "I sincerely apologize to all those who have been harmed by me, including CEO Sohn Suk-hee, Mayor Yoon Jang-hyun, and reporter Kim Woong," adding, "Thank you for stopping the devilish life that I could not stop."

However, he did not answer questions from reporters such as "Did you think you wouldn't get caught?" or "Do you not feel guilty since many victims are minors?" and got into the prosecution's escort vehicle. In effect, he did not offer any apology to the female victims.

Citizens expressed outrage. Office worker A (27) said, "He left out the people he should really apologize to," and added, "Then he mentioned famous names like Sohn Suk-hee and Yoon Jang-hyun. He seems to think he is someone important, but in reality, he is just a low-level criminal." He continued, "The court should deliver a proper verdict so that he receives a severe punishment."

Office worker B (24) said, "His shamelessness is infuriating," and added, "He tries to obscure the essence by naming famous people, but he is nothing more than a despicable criminal. He should receive a heavy sentence and never be allowed to reintegrate into society."

University student C (21) said, "I can't even imagine how much pain the victims are in," and added, "Just seeing Cho Joo-bin's face makes me want to curse. What angers me the most is his attitude of not seeing women as human beings."

Jo Joo-bin (25), known as the so-called 'Doctor,' who is accused of producing and distributing sexually exploitative videos by threatening underage girls and women through Telegram, stood at the photo line before being sent to the prosecution on the 25th. When asked if he had anything to say to the victims, Jo Joo-bin responded, "Thank you for stopping the devil's life that I could not stop," sparking public outrage.
Photo by Yonhap News

Experts analyzed that Cho Joo-bin's words before being sent to the prosecution were highly calculated.

Democratic Party lawmaker Pyo Chang-won said in a phone interview with YTN, "There was no sense of apology or remorse at all, and no sincerity," adding, "He made a brief statement as if issuing a simple press release and did not answer any questions from the press." He further analyzed, "It seems to be a very calculated act, possibly to prepare for the upcoming investigation, indictment, and trial."

Another expert pointed out that this case should be an opportunity to strengthen punishments for sexual violence crimes.

Cho Jin-kyung, head of the Teenage Women's Human Rights Center, said in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "I see Cho Joo-bin as a typical misogynist," adding, "He anonymized himself online and objectified women. He tried to reveal his existence at the photo line, which is a very intentional act. This case clearly shows how dangerous a male-centered mindset can be."

She continued, "(Cho Joo-bin) showed a dual nature by volunteering while exhibiting atrocious behavior online. Outwardly, he pretended to be a good person," adding, "He also shared this with other accomplices, men. This case should lead to changes in the law that align with public sentiment."

Cho Joo-bin was arrested by the police on charges of producing and distributing child sexual exploitation materials and operating the Telegram 'Doctor's Room' from December 2018 to March of this year.

The charges against Cho Joo-bin include violations of the Child and Youth Protection Act (production of child pornography), sexual assault, threats, coercion, violation of the Personal Information Protection Act (providing personal information), and violation of the Sexual Violence Punishment Act (filming using cameras, etc.).

So far, the police have identified 74 victims, among whom 16 are minors.

*If you are experiencing difficulties due to illegal filming or distribution of photos or videos, threats using such materials, or sexual harassment in cyberspace, you can receive support from the Women's Emergency Hotline 1366 and the Digital Sexual Crime Victim Support Center (02-735-8994).

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