"Want to Communicate with the World" Ruling Party Leadership Says "Strict Sanctions Needed" for Ko Young-wook in 'Minor Sexual Assault' Case

Goyoungwook SNS Comeback...Criticism Pours In

On the 12th, Ko Young-wook posted a message and photo on his SNS account. / Photo by Ko Young-wook Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Amid controversy over former group Lula member and singer Ko Young-wook resuming social network service (SNS) activities after being convicted of sexually assaulting and molesting minors, claims have emerged from the ruling party leadership that he should be sanctioned.

At the Democratic Party of Korea's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 16th, Supreme Council Member Noh Woong-rae stated, "A former entertainer who served a prison sentence for sexually assaulting a minor has started an official SNS, causing public uproar. Of course, we cannot block personal communication. However, if there is a possibility of influencing minors again, it is necessary to firmly isolate him."

Council Member Noh further argued, "Especially for celebrities who have committed crimes easily imitated by minors, such as crimes against minors, drug offenses, drunk driving, and illegal gambling, much stricter sanctions should be imposed on their broadcast appearances and SNS activities than currently enforced."

He continued, "If entertainers who have killed people due to drunk driving, habitual drug users of marijuana and other narcotics, and sex offenders against minors are allowed to roam freely on broadcasts and SNS, copycat crimes or new victims could emerge at any time."

He added, "When Jo Doo-soon returned to Ansan, the victim's family ultimately had to move. This is a clear example showing how lenient our society is toward sex crimes against minors and how indifferent it is to the victims. Freedom is important, but the protection of minors should take precedence over adult freedom."

Earlier, Ko Young-wook opened an Instagram account on the 12th. He stated, "A long time has passed before I could greet you again like this. I have spent nearly nine years in isolation, but I cannot continue living like this as long as I am alive, so now I cautiously want to communicate with the world," which sparked controversy.

Following criticism, the page and posts were switched to a blocked status just one day after opening, on the 13th.

Meanwhile, Ko Young-wook was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison, 3 years of electronic monitoring, and 5 years of information disclosure for violating the Child and Youth Protection Act by sexually assaulting or molesting three minors a total of five times between July 2010 and December 2012 at his officetel and car in Seoul.

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