Telegram 'n번방' Originator GodGod Appears for Detention Hearing (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyungmin Kim and Seungyoon Song] A(24), the original creator of the Telegram 'n번방' who produced and distributed sexually exploitative videos, appeared at the court on the 12th for a pre-arrest detention hearing (warrant review).

At 11 a.m., Kwak Hyungseop, the warrant judge at Andong Branch of Daegu District Court, began the warrant review for A, who is accused of producing and distributing child sexual exploitation materials.

A, who was detained at Andong Police Station jail, briefly appeared outside before heading to the court, covering his face with a black hat and mask. When reporters asked questions such as "Do you admit the charges?" and "Do you have anything to say to the victims?" he remained silent.

A is accused of producing sexually exploitative videos of women, including minors, and distributing them in the Telegram chatroom n번방. He used the nickname 'GodGod' on Telegram.

He was known as one of the three main operators of n번방 along with Jo Joo-bin (24), who ran the 'Doctor's Room,' and Jeon Mo (38), known as 'Watchman.' The n번방 originally created by A was the source of numerous similar n번방s that later emerged.

The Cyber Safety Division of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency summoned A on the 9th, and during the investigation, obtained a confession and urgently arrested him on charges including violation of the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse, subsequently applying for an arrest warrant.

The decision on whether to issue the warrant is expected to be made after reviewing evidence, possibly later that afternoon or late at night.

If the warrant is issued, the police plan to announce more detailed investigation results regarding the specific crimes committed by A. Additionally, a personal information disclosure committee will be convened to decide whether to publicly disclose A's identity.

A police official stated, "The date for the personal information disclosure committee has not been set yet, but it is likely to be decided within the day."

Prosecutors and police are also focusing on identifying the identity of 'Samagwi,' an accomplice of Jo who has not yet been apprehended. Samagwi is known as the last remaining key accomplice involved in the n번방 and Doctor's Room cases, co-running the Doctor's Room with Jo.

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