Accomplice of Jo Joo-bin, 'Butta,' is 18-year-old minor Kang Hoon... Police Decide to Release Personal Information

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The police have disclosed the personal information of Kang Hoon (18), the accomplice of Jo Joo-bin (24), the operator of the Telegram 'Baksa Bang'. This is the second time that the personal information of a suspect has been disclosed under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, following Jo, and the first time that the personal information of a minor has been made public.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency held a review committee on the 16th to decide on the disclosure of Kang's personal information. The committee included three internal police members and four external members such as legal experts and psychologists.

Kang was arrested on the 9th on charges including violation of the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse. He is also accused of recruiting participants for the sexual exploitation group chat and managing criminal proceeds such as entrance fees. In particular, he reportedly played the role of a 'financier' who converted cryptocurrency deposits from paid members of Baksa Bang into cash and delivered it to Jo.

The committee explained the reason for disclosing the personal information, stating, "The suspect was a key accomplice of Jo Joo-bin, the operator of Baksa Bang, actively involved in recruiting participants and producing and distributing sexual exploitation videos. There is sufficient human and material evidence, and the crime method is meticulous and planned, causing continuous serious harm to multiple victims including children and adolescents. Therefore, the crime is severe."

The committee thoroughly discussed various issues that could arise from disclosing the personal information of the minor Kang, as well as potential harm to his family and acquaintances. The committee added, "Considering the public's right to know, prevention of recidivism in similar crimes, and crime prevention, it was decided to disclose his name, age, and face in the public interest."

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