Former Cheongju Councilor Arrested on Charges of Prostituting a Middle Schooler

Choi Young-joong, a former city councilor for Cheongju, has been arrested on charges related to soliciting prostitution from a minor. The arrest followed a court hearing on July 30, 2026, where a judge cited concerns about evidence tampering and flight risk.

The accusations against Choi, 35, involve alleged sexual relations with a middle school student on two occasions between October 2024 and May 2025. He is also accused of demanding nude photographs and offering more money if the student brought friends. The prosecution has reportedly secured court approval for access to Choi's communication records for the past year to investigate further.

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There is a risk of evidence destruction and flight.

Choi initially evaded police summons for six months, citing reasons such as hiring a lawyer, before his first interrogation on May 23. During questioning, he reportedly denied the charges, claiming he was unaware the student was a minor. However, police have reportedly confirmed evidence of Choi meeting the student while she was wearing a school uniform.

Choi, elected under the People Power Party, began his term on July 1 but resigned from his council seat on July 16, the day after police conducted a search and seizure operation. The investigation is ongoing to determine if there are additional victims.

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The sexual relations did occur, but I did not know the other party was a minor.