Police Arrest 309 for Digital Sex Crimes Including 'n번방'... Long-Term Investigation Expected for Paid Members and Others

Jo Joo-bin, the operator of the 'Doctor's Room' who threatened dozens of women including minors on the internet messenger Telegram and forced them to film obscene materials which he then distributed, is coming out of Jongno Police Station in Seoul on the morning of the 25th to be sent to the prosecution. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The police have arrested more than 80 additional suspects on charges of producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials on Telegram and other digital sex crimes.

As of the 16th, the National Police Agency announced that they have arrested 309 people related to digital sex crimes, of whom 43 have been detained. This is an increase of 83 arrests within a week from 223 suspects (32 detained) as of the 9th.

The age group of the suspects was highest among those in their 20s with 130 people, followed by 94 teenagers. Additionally, there were 68 in their 30s, 11 in their 40s, and 6 aged 50 or older.

Their heinous sexual exploitation crimes targeted teenage and women in their 20s. So far, a total of 166 victims have been identified, among whom 118 have completed investigations. Of these, teenagers numbered 58, the largest group, followed by 47 in their 20s.

The police are continuing investigations into 'Samagwi,' who was identified as a co-operator of the Telegram 'Doctor's Room' along with Cho Ju-bin (24, detained). A police official said, "There is not much data related to 'Samagwi,' making the investigation difficult," and added, "If we continue to fail to find him, it will be necessary to interview Cho Ju-bin specifically about him."

Cho Ju-bin's lawyer claimed that Cho Ju-bin jointly operated the Doctor's Room with three people using the nicknames 'Samagwi,' 'Butta,' and 'Igya.' Among them, Butta and Igya have already been arrested and are under investigation, but 'Samagwi' has not yet been identified. The police explained that Cho Ju-bin appeared to have given instructions via Telegram without face-to-face contact with accomplices.

The investigation into the paid members of the n-room is likely to be prolonged. The police are currently investigating about 15,000 nicknames identified. A police official explained, "We have to verify who each nickname actually belongs to and investigate all 15,000 people through searches and digital forensics to determine if they possess sexual exploitation materials, so it takes a long time."

The police are also continuing to track the nickname 'GodGod,' who originally created the 'n-room.' A police official emphasized, "We are keeping all possibilities open and conducting the investigation," adding, "We are making efforts from multiple angles."

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