'Baksa Bang' Kang Hoon "I even pledged organ donation, please see me with mercy"... Prosecution demands 30 years imprisonment

Published 20 Jul.2021 17:27(KST)

Prosecution Requests Electronic Monitoring, Sexual Violence Treatment Program, Identity Disclosure, and Employment Restrictions in Disability Welfare Facilities
Attorney Kang Hoon: "Jo Joo-bin Did Not Share Business Know-How... Kang Only Ran Errands"
"Kang Did Not Join for Money... Cannot Be Seen as Part of a Criminal Group"

Operator Jo Joo-bin of the Telegram 'Doctor's Room' and accomplice Kang Hoon, known as 'Buddha,' who was involved in managing and operating the chatroom. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Yeeun] The prosecution has requested a 30-year prison sentence in the second trial for Kang Hoon, known as 'Buddha,' who was sentenced to 15 years in the first trial for producing and distributing child and adolescent sexual exploitation materials.

The Criminal Division 9 of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judges Moon Kwangseop, Park Youngwook, Hwang Seongmi) held the final hearing of Kang's appeal trial on the 20th on charges of violating the Child and Adolescent Sexual Protection Act (production and distribution of obscene materials), among others.

On this day, the prosecution appealed to the court, saying, "Please dismiss the defendant's appeal and sentence him to 30 years in prison." They also requested a 15-year electronic monitoring device (electronic anklet) order, completion of a sexual violence treatment program, disclosure of personal information, and employment restrictions at welfare facilities for the disabled.

At the last trial of the second trial, Kang Hoon said, "Although the crime I committed is not light, please have mercy on me as I reflect and contemplate my future."

In his final statement, he said, "When I think of the victims and their families who have suffered irreparable wounds due to my foolish actions, I feel sorry and my chest feels tight," adding, "I spend each day in tears, repenting."

He continued, "I deeply regret that I was swayed by misguided sexual curiosity and failed to empathize with the victims' pain, turning a blind eye," and said, "I have pledged to donate my organs and volunteer every morning, sweating. Although the crime I committed is not light and it is natural to receive appropriate punishment, please have mercy on me as I reflect and contemplate my future."

The operator of the "Doctor's Room," Jo Joo-bin (left), who produced and distributed sexual exploitation materials, Kang Hoon, the co-operator of the Doctor's Room using the chat name "Buddha," and Choi, who handed over victims' personal information to Jo Joo-bin while serving as a social service worker. Photo by Yonhap News

Kang's lawyer argued, "Jo Joo-bin did not share his business know-how with anyone, and Kang Hoon, like other members of the Doctor's Room, only vaguely knew about it," adding, "He merely ran errands. Since Kang only did what Jo Joo-bin, who knew his personal information, instructed and Jo Joo-bin took all the criminal proceeds, the prosecution's claim that Kang is the second-in-command of the Doctor's Room is unfair."

He further emphasized, "Jo Joo-bin created the Doctor's Room to make money from sexual exploitation videos, but Kang and others consistently testify that they did not join for money," and "Since their criminal purposes differ, they cannot be considered a criminal group."

Kang was indicted on charges of conspiring with 'Doctor' Jo Joo-bin to produce sexual exploitation materials of two children and adolescents and distribute and exhibit sexual exploitation materials of five victims. He is also charged with distributing and exhibiting sexual exploitation materials of 26 adult victims. Additionally, he is accused of insulting acquaintances by synthesizing photos and conspiring with Jo Joo-bin to embezzle 10 million won from former Gwangju Mayor Yoon Jang-hyun.