Depression Gallery... What Will Happen to the Case Passed to the Korea Communications Standards Commission?

Advisory Committee: "Not Much Illegal Information, Also Positive Functions"
Decision on Blocking Expected at Communications Subcommittee on 22nd

The blocking of the online community DC Inside (DC) 'Depression Gallery,' known to have been used by teenagers who live-streamed their process of making extreme choices, is expected to become more difficult.

Since DC effectively refused the police's request to block the gallery, the decision now rests with the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC), which holds the relevant authority. However, the majority of opinions received in consultation regarding whether to block the gallery were negative.

On the 15th, the KCSC's Special Advisory Committee on Communications reviewed the police's recent request to block the Depression Gallery bulletin board. Among the nine committee members, five gave the opinion of 'Not Applicable,' while four recommended 'Correction Request.'

The members who gave the 'Not Applicable' opinion explained that the number of posts requiring blocking was not large, and that consideration should be given to the comforting effect the space provides to people suffering from depression.

The Depression Gallery is suspected of being a hotbed for crimes such as sexual assault against minors, drug abuse, assault, and threats. On the 16th of last month, a teenager identified as A, who live-streamed the process of making an extreme choice on social networking services (SNS) from a building in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, was known to have been active in the 'Depression Gallery.' On the 5th of this month, two teenage female students who met in this gallery attempted an extreme choice at the northern end of Hannam Bridge but were rescued by the police.

It is also pointed out as an activity space for the so-called 'Shindaebang Fam,' who are accused of assault, threats, and sexual assault against minor females. The police conducted a search and seizure of the residences of four individuals related to Shindaebang Fam on the 8th and are investigating various allegations against them.

Based on the advisory results, the KCSC plans to hold a Communications Deliberation Subcommittee meeting as early as the 22nd to review and decide on the agenda. The KCSC had planned to decide on the gallery's closure on the 27th of last month but postponed the decision due to additional legal consultation.

Although the Communications Subcommittee is not obligated to follow the advisory results exactly, considering that the agenda will be reviewed based on them, the majority opinion is that the gallery will not be closed. While there is strong public criticism demanding the gallery's closure, the KCSC recognizes that the gallery's positive functions and issues such as infringement on freedom of expression are also significant concerns that cannot be overlooked.

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