Choo Mi-ae Responds to Petition for Severe Punishment of Son Jung-woo in the US: "Actions Taken According to Court Ruling Intent"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae stated that she will "take necessary measures" in response to a national petition demanding the extradition of Son Jung-woo (24, detained), the operator of the child sexual exploitation site 'Welcome to Video,' to the United States.

On the morning of the 22nd, Minister Choo responded to a Blue House national petition titled "Please extradite Son, the dark web operator who distributed child sexual exploitation videos, to the United States to ensure appropriate punishment," saying, "Once the court ruling is issued, I plan to respect the intent of the ruling and take measures according to relevant treaties and laws." The petition was posted on the Blue House national petition board on March 22 and garnered 219,721 signatures, prompting Minister Choo to respond on this day. The Blue House national petition requires over 200,000 signatures within a month for the government to issue a statement.

Son, whom the petitioner demands be severely punished, is currently undergoing a criminal extradition hearing at the Seoul High Court to determine whether he will be sent to the United States. The second hearing is scheduled for the 16th of next month. The court will decide on Son's extradition within two months. If the court approves the extradition and the Minister of Justice consents, U.S. enforcement authorities will enter Korea within a month to take Son into custody.

Meanwhile, Minister Choo also expressed her deep remorse as both the Minister of Justice and a member of the older generation after receiving updates on the investigation into the 'Nth Room case,' which caused public outrage for producing and sharing sexual exploitation materials. She emphasized, "There must be a clear change before and after the Nth Room case."

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