[2021 National Audit] Heo Eun-ah: "Serious Digital Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Objectification of Children"... Han Sang-hyuk: "We Will Actively Respond"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Eun-mo] There has been a sharp increase in crimes involving the distribution of sexual exploitation materials targeting children and adolescents, raising urgent concerns about the need for countermeasures.

On the 5th, during the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Communication Committee's audit of the Korea Communications Commission, Rep. Heo Eun-ah of the People Power Party revealed that nearly 5,000 cases of cyber sexual violence crimes involving the distribution of illegal sexual videos, child sexual exploitation materials, and illegal filming materials occurred last year.

According to the "Status of Cyber Sexual Violence Occurrence and Arrests" submitted by the National Police Agency to Rep. Heo in September, 4,831 cases were recorded last year, including 1,366 cases of illegal sexual videos, 2,623 cases of child sexual exploitation materials, and 842 cases of illegal filming materials. Notably, child sexual exploitation materials surged more than fourfold from 603 cases in 2017 to 2,623 cases last year.

The arrest rates were 72% for illegal sexual videos, 91% for child sexual exploitation materials, 81% for illegal filming materials, and 84% overall. Cyber sexual violence refers to crimes involving the distribution of such videos and photos through information and communication networks.

While illegal sexual videos peaked in 2018 and then declined, crimes involving the distribution of child sexual exploitation materials and illegal filming materials have been on the rise. Illegal sexual videos numbered 2,043 in 2017, 2,661 in 2018, 1,769 in 2019, and 1,366 in 2020. During the same period, child sexual exploitation materials were recorded as 603, 1,172, 756, and 2,623 cases respectively. Last year, child sexual exploitation materials surpassed illegal sexual videos in the number of cyber sexual violence cases, marking a reversal.

Statistics from January to July this year show 690 cases of child sexual exploitation materials and 462 cases of illegal sexual videos, with child sexual exploitation material distribution crimes being more frequent. Illegal filming materials have been included in statistics since 2019, increasing sharply from 165 cases in 2019 to 842 cases last year, with 311 cases occurring from January to July this year.

In particular, the sexual objectification of children has been found to be serious even in broadcasting. Channel A’s parenting entertainment program Geumjjok Gateun Nae Saekki aired a story of a child scratching their chest due to stress caused by frequent parental quarrels. On the same day, the video was displayed on the main thumbnail of the portal site "Daum," operated by Kakao, with a sexually suggestive title alongside the child's face.

The content was posted on a portal site screen accessible to an unspecified large audience and remained unaddressed for several hours. At that time, the Korea Communications Standards Commission was not yet in its 5th term, and the maximum authority for communication review was a "recommendation for deletion," so complaints regarding content that had already been deleted or modified were dismissed.

Following the "Nth Room incident" last year, penalties for cyber sexual violence crimes have been significantly strengthened. Those who produce, import, or export child sexual exploitation materials can face up to life imprisonment.

The minimum sentence is imprisonment for five years or more. Merely purchasing, possessing, or viewing child sexual exploitation materials results in imprisonment for at least one year. Producing or distributing illegal filming materials is punishable by up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won. Viewing or possessing such materials carries a minimum sentence of three years imprisonment.

Rep. Heo stated, “Although the Nth Room Prevention Act was passed last year, sexual exploitation materials targeting children have actually increased. The principle of zero tolerance must be applied to the illegal possession and distribution of videos that sexually objectify children. It is necessary to establish systems to eliminate blind spots in review and to protect children.”

In response, Han Sang-hyuk, Chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, said, “We recognize the seriousness of the issue and believe active measures must be taken. Follow-up measures for the enforcement decree of the Nth Room Prevention Act will be implemented starting in December, and preparations are underway for technical and administrative measures.”

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