Internet Broadcaster Sentenced to Six Years for Child Sexual Exploitation

A prominent internet broadcaster, known as a BJ, has been sentenced to six years in prison and immediately taken into custody after being found guilty of producing child sexual exploitation material. The Incheon District Court handed down the sentence on Friday, citing violations of the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth against Sex Offenses. The court also ordered the BJ, identified only as Mr. Lee, 33, to complete 40 hours of a sex offense treatment program, face a seven-year employment restriction at institutions related to children, youth, and the disabled, and forfeit approximately 2.73 million won (about $2,000) in broadcast earnings.

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The defendants exploited the sexuality of children and adolescents for financial gain, using highly influential platforms like YouTube. Producing and distributing sexually exploitative content for profit not only infringes upon minors' sexual self-determination rights but also poses a significant threat to society by potentially distorting viewers' perceptions of sexuality.

Seven other BJs who participated in the broadcasts and were indicted without detention received sentences ranging from two years and six months to three years and six months in prison, with all also being taken into custody. Two additional BJs received suspended sentences of two years and six months, with four years of probation.

The court stated that the defendants exploited the sexuality of children and adolescents for financial gain, using highly influential platforms like YouTube. It highlighted that producing and distributing sexually exploitative content for profit not only infringes upon minors' sexual self-determination rights but also poses a significant threat to society by potentially distorting viewers' perceptions of sexuality. The court noted the explicit nature of the depicted acts and the young age of the victims as aggravating factors.

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The explicit nature of the depicted acts and the young age of the victims were considered. Many citizens pointed out that the majority of viewers were adolescents and called for severe punishment of the defendants. In light of the law's purpose to help children and adolescents grow into healthy members of society, severe punishment is necessary.

Prosecutors had charged the individuals with producing and distributing sexual exploitation material, including repeated inappropriate physical contact with two minors under the guise of performing dares during a live broadcast on July 12 of the previous year. The defendants had argued they were unaware the victims were minors and that the broadcast did not constitute sexual exploitation. However, the court rejected these claims, stating that the content was "capable of causing sexual shame or disgust to anyone who sees it."

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Anyone who sees it is capable of causing sexual shame or disgust.