Co-conspirator of Jo Joo-bin, 'Butta' Kang Hoon to be Detained and Indicted Today... Additional Investigation into Criminal Organization Charges

Kang Hoon, known as 'Buddha,' the co-operator of the Telegram 'Doctor's Room' along with Jo Joo-bin, is being transferred to the prosecution from Jongno Police Station in Seoul on the 17th while moving to the escort vehicle. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The prosecution will indict Jo Joo-bin (24, in custody), the operator of the Telegram 'Baksa Bang' accused of producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials, along with his accomplice 'Buddha' Kang Hoon (18), on the 6th.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office Digital Sex Crime Special Investigation Task Force (led by Chief Prosecutor Yoo Hyun-jung) will indict Kang on charges including production and distribution of obscene materials under the Juvenile Protection Act.

Kang's detention period (20 days) expires on this day. After receiving Kang from the police on 17th last month on nine charges, the prosecution extended his detention period once.

The prosecution plans to first indict Kang on charges of producing and distributing sexual exploitation materials and will decide on applying the 'organized crime group formation' charge after further investigation.

Kang is accused of recruiting participants and delivering criminal proceeds under the nickname 'Buddha' in the Telegram 'Baksa Bang' operated by Jo.

It is reported that he acted as a sort of 'fund manager,' converting cryptocurrency paid by paid members as entrance fees into cash and delivering it to Jo.

In particular, he is also charged with producing several so-called 'deepfake' photos by combining nude photos with photos of female acquaintances and distributing them on social networking services (SNS) such as Twitter, which constitutes defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act.

The prosecution also searched Kang's residence and other locations on the 29th of last month to investigate the organized crime group formation charges.

Prior to this, Jo and 13 others deeply involved in operating Baksa Bang were booked on charges of organized crime group formation, and 23 paid members were booked on charges of joining and participating in the organized crime group.

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