'Butta' Kang Hoon Denies Some Charges in First Trial... "Involved in Crime Due to Threats from Jo Joo-bin"

"Nothing but a Puppet... Regret and Reflection" Appeal for Leniency

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] Kang Hoon (18), known as 'Butta' and an accomplice of Jo Joo-bin (24, detained and indicted), the operator of the 'Doctor's Room,' denied some charges at his first trial, claiming that he participated in the crimes under Jo's threats and coercion.

At Kang's first hearing held at the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 31 (Presiding Judge Seongpil Cho), his lawyer stated, "The defendant is also a victim of Jo Joo-bin."

In his opening remarks, the lawyer admitted to operating the Doctor's Room and selling and distributing obscene materials but denied specific allegations related to the production of sexual exploitation materials.

Kang's side argued that the charges of conspiring with Jo to threaten victims and force obscene acts to produce sexual exploitation materials were solely Jo's crimes and that the defendant did not participate, citing statements from Jo and the victims as evidence.

While admitting most of the remaining charges, the lawyer repeatedly emphasized that Jo was the mastermind behind all the crimes. He claimed that most offenses were committed solely by Jo, not as a conspiracy. He said, "The defendant was merely a puppet of Jo."

The lawyer explained, "The defendant was a high school senior last year who was looking for obscene videos on Telegram to relieve stress when he happened to meet Jo. The threats began when the defendant took photos of specific parts of his body at Jo's request, eventually leading to his involvement in the crimes."

He added, "The defendant is remorseful and reflective about participating in such serious crimes," and appealed for leniency, considering that the defendant was a minor at the time of the offenses and that his identity has been disclosed, making it difficult to reoffend. Kang himself responded "Yes" when the court asked if he agreed with this statement.

The court accepted nine witnesses proposed by the prosecution that day. Among them were several accomplices, including Jo, 'Taepyeongyang' Lee, former public official Cheon from Geoje City Hall, Gyeongnam Province, and social service worker Kang. There was also a woman who claimed to be Jo's girlfriend.

The court decided to summon three witnesses, including Cheon and Kang, for cross-examination on the 24th of next month. Jo will be called as the last witness.

Previously, Kang was detained and indicted on 11 charges, including production and distribution of obscene materials under the Youth Protection Act. The prosecution alleges that Kang used the nickname 'Butta' in the so-called 'Doctor's Room' on the internet messenger Telegram, demanded victims produce sexually exploitative videos, assisted Jo in managing and promoting the Doctor's Room, and handled the withdrawal of profits from sexual exploitation.

Specifically, from September to November last year, Kang conspired with Jo to threaten 18 victims, including seven children and adolescents, to film and produce sexually exploitative videos, which were then sold and distributed on Telegram for profit.

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