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🇰🇷 South Korea /Crime & Justice

Cheongju council member resigns over underage sex trafficking, exploitation charges

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A Cheongju city council member, identified as Choi, has resigned amid allegations of underage sex trafficking and filming of sexual exploitation material.
  • Choi admitted to sexual relations with a minor but claimed ignorance of their age, while police investigate exploitation charges.
  • The ruling party is moving to expel Choi, and the police face scrutiny over a delayed investigation and failure to secure crucial evidence.

A Cheongju city council member, identified only as Choi, has resigned following serious allegations of underage sex trafficking and the filming of sexual exploitation material. Choi submitted a resignation letter through the People Power Party's floor leader, Lee Sang-jo, citing relevant local government laws.

I am innocent. I will explain later.

— ChoiResponding to media inquiries about the allegations.

Choi is accused of having sexual relations with a minor on three occasions between October 2023 and October 2024 in Sejong. While Choi has reportedly admitted to the sexual encounters, they deny knowing the victim was a minor. Police are also investigating allegations of illegal filming of exploitation material. The Cheongju Cheongwon Police Station stated that Choi admitted to the sexual relations during an initial investigation in late May but claimed ignorance of the victim's age. Investigators are also examining evidence of Choi demanding nude photos from the minor.

Further complicating matters, Choi reportedly identified their occupation as 'office worker' during the police investigation, a detail that has raised questions about transparency, especially given Choi's political background. Choi, a first-term council member elected with the People Power Party's nomination, held a significant position within the party's provincial chapter. The party's provincial chapter has initiated expulsion proceedings against Choi.

During the first investigation at the end of May, Choi admitted to the sexual relations. However, they stated, 'I did not know the victim was a minor.'

— Cheongju Cheongwon Police StationDetailing Choi's statement during the initial police investigation.

Concerns have also surfaced regarding the police's handling of the investigation. Reports suggest a delay in action after the victim's parents filed a complaint in late February. Crucial evidence, including mobile phones, was allegedly not secured promptly, leading to suspicions of a slow and insufficient investigation. Choi is reported to have replaced their mobile phone after being reported to the police, and while a phone was seized during a raid on June 15, it was a replacement device.

All sorts of harsh messages are pouring in. Preventing even raising questions because of a different opinion is not a public forum.

— Goh Min-jungDescribing the online harassment faced by lawmakers who hold differing views.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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