Choi Young-jung, a former Cheongju City Councilor, is under investigation for additional allegations of sex trafficking involving minors. Following this news, criticism of Choi has surged online.
On August 3, various online communities shared posts regarding the discovery of further evidence of Choi's alleged solicitation of minors.
According to a report by Newsis on the same day, the Cheongju Cheongwon Police Station has identified indications that Choi may have solicited additional minors for sex during a digital forensic examination of his mobile phone. The police are currently investigating these findings.
Authorities have reportedly applied for a search warrant to secure chat records between Choi and the suspected additional victims.
A police official stated, "We cannot confirm details related to the investigation, but we will do our utmost to strengthen the investigation during the detention period to substantiate the charges and uncover any additional crimes."
In response to the news, netizens expressed outrage, with comments such as, "What nerve does he have to engage in politics?" and "He’s been caught multiple times, yet still tries to hide his face with a mask." Others remarked, "It’s hard to believe he only did this once, given his history of drunk driving and other crimes," and questioned whether he would try to justify his actions as love.
Previously, investigators reported that from October 2024 to May 2025, Choi allegedly engaged in multiple instances of prostitution and solicited minors he met through a chat application, as well as produced sexual exploitation materials.
He is also accused of offering more money for bringing friends and showing videos of himself engaging in sexual acts, as well as requesting nude photos from the minors.
During two rounds of questioning, Choi admitted to soliciting sex but claimed he was unaware that the individuals were minors. He has denied the charges related to solicitation and the production of sexual exploitation materials.
On July 30, police obtained a warrant for Choi's arrest and have since received a warrant to access one year’s worth of communication records and account transaction details to verify any additional victims and further crimes.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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