'Revenge Porn' Extremely Dangerous... Distribution, Purchase, and Viewing Also Subject to Punishment

Soccer Player Private Video Reckless Distribution Damage
Punishment for Not Only Initial Distributor but Also Possession and Viewing

The private life video of national soccer player Hwang Ui-jo has been indiscriminately circulated, causing secondary and tertiary damages. Posts seeking or offering to sell related videos are appearing online, and the damage is growing uncontrollably.

However, not only the person who initially distributed the illegal footage but also those who possess, purchase, or watch such illegal recordings can be punished.

The soccer national team friendly match between Korea and El Salvador held on the 20th at Daejeon World Cup Stadium. Hwang Ui-jo, who finished the game with a 1-1 draw, is greeting the stands.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The video of Hwang's private life spread after Mr. A, who claimed to have been in a romantic relationship with him, posted an expos? and video on his Instagram account on the 26th.

Subsequently, numerous new Instagram accounts bearing Hwang's name have sprung up rapidly. Movements to distribute the video, such as "Follow me and I will send the video" or "Send a direct message (DM) and I will give you the video," have been detected.

However, all such acts can be punished under current law. Article 14 of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes (Sexual Violence Punishment Act) stipulates that anyone who films a person's body that may arouse sexual desire or shame against the subject's will using a camera or other mechanical device shall be punished by imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine of up to 50 million won.

Furthermore, even if not the initial distributor, anyone who possesses, purchases, stores, or watches illegal footage or its copies shall be punished by imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won.

Attorney Heo Ju-yeon emphasized on YTN Radio's "News King Park Ji-hoon" that "Selling illegal footage is also punishable, as is purchasing, possessing, distributing, and even watching it. The spread itself makes it difficult to eradicate the crime," and stressed, "Everyone must refrain from accessing it in the first place."

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