Former Cheongju councilor arrested for alleged sex trafficking of minor

Choi Young-joong, a former city councilor in Cheongju, South Korea, has been arrested on charges of sex trafficking and violating laws related to the protection of children and adolescents. The Cheongju District Court issued an arrest warrant, citing concerns about evidence tampering and flight risk.

The 35-year-old former councilor is accused of having sexual relations with a middle school student on multiple occasions between October 2024 and October 2025. The alleged encounters took place in various locations, including accommodations in Sejong and Choi's own vehicle. He reportedly approached the student through a chat application, initially offering to buy her cigarettes.

Prosecutors allege that Choi also repeatedly solicited sex from the student, offering more money if she brought a friend, and engaged in inappropriate conversations suggesting group sex with another woman. Choi had previously maintained his innocence regarding the minor status of the victim, admitting only to purchasing sex.

The investigation began after the middle school student's parents discovered suspicious messages on her phone. Police sought an arrest warrant, citing concerns that Choi might destroy evidence, such as by changing his mobile phone. The prosecution formally requested the warrant on July 29.

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There is a risk of evidence destruction and flight.