Podcasts > Rotten Mango > #342: Korean College Student Forces 100 Girls To Mutilate Themselves On Camera LIVE For His Chatrooms

#342: Korean College Student Forces 100 Girls To Mutilate Themselves On Camera LIVE For His Chatrooms

By Stephanie Soo & Ramble

Dive into the unnerving realm of cyber crime with "Rotten Mango," where host Stephanie Soo takes listeners through the harrowing tale of illegal chat rooms in South Korea. This episode dissects the chilling emergence of the "Nth Rooms," a series of Telegram chatrooms notorious for distributing videos of child sexual abuse and torture. Stephanie explores the modus operandi of the malicious orchestrators known as "God God" and "the Doctor," whose heinous acts left an indelible mark on the victims and exposed a disturbing subculture driven by sadistic voyeurism.

Listen to a meticulous account of the investigation that brought down these clandestine networks. Courageous police actions, along with vigilante hackers, were instrumental in the capture of the figures behind these atrocities. The episode scrutinizes the profound societal impact and public outcry that arose in the wake of these crimes, as well as the controversial legal outcomes. Amidst the public's call for justice and reform, "Rotten Mango" presents a stark examination of the pervasive issues within South Korea’s child protection laws and the community's struggle to come to terms with such vile transgressions.

#342: Korean College Student Forces 100 Girls To Mutilate Themselves On Camera LIVE For His Chatrooms

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#342: Korean College Student Forces 100 Girls To Mutilate Themselves On Camera LIVE For His Chatrooms

1-Page Summary

The origins and growth of illegal Telegram chat rooms run by "God God" and "the Doctor", focused on distributing child sexual abuse material and torture videos

"God God" initiated the "Nth Rooms" on Telegram, infamous for distributing child sexual abuse materials and torture videos. Victims, blackmailed and labeled as "slaves," were coerced into creating degrading and violent content. The chat rooms, which began with eight rooms and an $8 admission fee, ballooned in size due to their sadistic appeal. God God's true motive was the proliferation of torture, manufacturing and delivering over 3,600 videos distinguished by their extreme nature. Psychologically, victims faced manipulation and extreme intimidation, which led to severe trauma and unyielding compliance due to the fear of social ostracization. "The Doctor," succeeding God God, established his own version, sustaining user interest through interactive activities in his chat rooms while demonstrating dominion by instructing on evading law enforcement. Notoriously, this parallel to "Kleenex" as a generic term, the "Nth Rooms" has become an overarching label for any online space harboring such illicit materials, showcasing its disturbing prevalence.

Investigation into the chat rooms; arrest of God God and the Doctor

The underhanded world of "Nth Rooms" untangled with the capture of Cho Joo Bin, or "the Doctor." Police strove to penetrate these chat rooms covertly, dogged by the intricacy of identifying users and securing evidence. Simultaneously, vigilante hackers, most notably Team Red, entrapped "God God" by luring him with a counterfeit tip link. These efforts culminated in the apprehension of the leaders, with "the Doctor" taken into custody outside his residence. In his room, authorities uncovered incriminating passwords linking him to the heinous activities. Despite his initial denials and an attempt to discredit the evidence as illegally procured, his identity was conclusively affirmed. Both Cho and "God God" were arrested, shining a glimmer of justice on the otherwise shadowy dealings of the chat rooms.

Societal impact and reaction to the crimes

The revelation of the "Nth Rooms" has thunderstruck the South Korean society, precipitating intense public indignation and demands for stringent punishment. The public's repulsion is akin to the unrest in a troubled Gotham, questioning their own circles' potential involvement. Pervading the societal consciousness, these crimes have incited outrage and extensive petitions, beckoning for a revamp of child protection laws. Citizens flaunt their dissatisfaction with the judiciary, advocating for more severe punishment, citing past leniencies as a cause for concern.

The penalties ultimately decreed—42 years for "the Doctor," reduced from an initial 45, and 34 years for "God God"—were met with public disapproval, deemed too mild by a consensus clamoring for harsher penalties. Parallel cases garner similarly light sentences, breeding resentment and distrust in the legal system.

Emotionally, the populace grapples with the aftermath; personal relationships suffer, and psychological distress looms, with people undertaking desperate measures for dissociation from these crimes. Even after key arrests, the unease persists due to the emergence of analogous chat rooms on other platforms, illustrating the deep-seated and ongoing challenge of combating this malfeasance. The societal impact thus remains profound, necessitating continuous vigilance and legal steadfastness.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The "Nth Rooms" on Telegram were chat rooms where child sexual abuse material and torture videos were distributed. Victims were coerced into creating degrading content under the threat of exposure and blackmail. The rooms grew in size due to their sadistic appeal, with "God God" orchestrating the initial setup and "the Doctor" taking over later. The operators maintained control through manipulation, intimidation, and demonstrating authority over evading law enforcement.
  • "God God" and "the Doctor" were key figures in the illegal Telegram chat rooms known as the "Nth Rooms." "God God" initiated the rooms, focusing on distributing child sexual abuse material and torture videos, while "the Doctor" succeeded him and continued these activities. They coerced victims into creating degrading content, with "God God" being particularly involved in manufacturing and delivering extreme videos, and "the Doctor" sustaining user interest through interactive activities and providing guidance on evading law enforcement. Their actions led to severe trauma for victims and sparked intense public outrage and demands for justice in South Korean society.
  • The investigation into the "Nth Rooms" involved police efforts to infiltrate the chat rooms discreetly and gather evidence against the perpetrators. Additionally, vigilante hackers, notably Team Red, played a role in capturing one of the leaders by setting up a fake tip link to lure him. These combined efforts led to the arrest of the individuals behind the illegal activities, shedding light on the dark operations of the chat rooms. The hackers' involvement showcased a collaborative approach between law enforcement and independent actors in combating online crimes.
  • The public in South Korea reacted strongly to the "Nth Rooms" case, expressing outrage and demanding harsh punishments for the perpetrators. There were widespread calls for stricter child protection laws and dissatisfaction with the judicial system's handling of the case. The sentencing of the individuals involved was met with disapproval from the public, who felt the penalties were too lenient given the severity of the crimes. The societal impact of the case led to ongoing discussions about the need for continuous vigilance and legal reforms to combat similar illicit activities.
  • The sentencing outcomes for "the Doctor" and "God God" were met with public disapproval due to being perceived as too lenient. The public's dissatisfaction stemmed from the belief that the punishments did not adequately reflect the severity of the crimes committed. This dissatisfaction led to calls for harsher penalties and highlighted concerns about the perceived leniency of the legal system in handling such egregious offenses. The reactions underscored a broader societal demand for stricter consequences for individuals involved in heinous activities like those associated with the "Nth Rooms."

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#342: Korean College Student Forces 100 Girls To Mutilate Themselves On Camera LIVE For His Chatrooms

The origins and growth of illegal Telegram chat rooms run by "God God" and "the Doctor", focused on distributing child sexual abuse material and torture videos

God God's operation of the "Nth Rooms" chat rooms

The "Nth Rooms" created by "God God" were notorious for the distribution of child sexual abuse material and videos depicting torture. The victims, often referred to as "slaves," were blackmailed and forced into producing these videos. God God's manipulation went beyond the distribution of content; he maintained an iron grip on his victims by doxxing them and forcing them to submit to his authority within these rooms.

Forced acts and distribution of videos; sadistic nature

These exclusive and personal "Nth Rooms" dedicated to torture initially began with eight rooms and expanded as demand grew. Each room contained new victims subjected to perform sadistic acts for the camera, all for a nominal access fee of eight dollars. Participants were required to contribute explicit content to gain access to God God's extensive library of abusive materials. The acts depicted in the videos ranged from eating from a toilet bowl to being sexually assaulted by multiple assailants, often coupled with participants' sadistic comments.

God God primarily focused on the creation of torture videos rather than financial gain. He personally distributed 3,762 videos showcasing extreme methods of torture, such as skin-stretching. These acts were purported to be punishment for the victims' disobedience, an idea God God propagated by implying they had escaped or acted against his rules.

Psychological manipulation and control of victims

The psychological manipulation within the "Nth Rooms" was pervasive. Victims suffered severe psychological trauma, which was further intensified by the element of control and intimidation. In one tragic case, the distress led to the death of a victim. In a chilling example, a victim named Yuna knew her society would shun her if the videos of her assault went public, leaving her no choice but to comply with the demands made in the chat room.

God God used the twisted rhetoric of referring to the abuse as a "game" to alleviate stress, portraying his entertainment as voluntary. He remained indifferent to his victims' feelings, reinforcing the notion that the abuse was a game and that punishment was reserved for those who "ran away from the game."

After "God God" no longer operated, Cho, also known as " ...

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The origins and growth of illegal Telegram chat rooms run by "God God" and "the Doctor", focused on distributing child sexual abuse material and torture videos

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The "Nth Rooms" were illegal Telegram chat rooms created by "God God" for distributing child sexual abuse material and torture videos. These rooms were known for their exclusive and personal nature, where victims were coerced into performing sadistic acts for the camera. The term "Nth Rooms" has become synonymous with any online space containing explicit torture content, highlighting the widespread nature of these illicit activities. The significance lies in the severe impact on victims, showcasing the brutal reality of the psychological and physical abuse that occurred within these chat rooms.
  • The sadistic acts depicted in the videos included extreme forms of torture such as skin-stretching and victims being sexually assaulted by multiple assailants. Participants were coerced into performing degrading acts like eating from a toilet bowl, all captured on camera for a nominal fee. The videos showcased a range of abusive behaviors, often accompanied by sadistic comments from the participants involved. These acts were used as a means of punishment and control within the "Nth Rooms" chat rooms. ...

Counterarguments

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#342: Korean College Student Forces 100 Girls To Mutilate Themselves On Camera LIVE For His Chatrooms

Investigation into the chat rooms; arrest of God God and the Doctor

A detailed investigation unfolded leading to the arrest of individuals involved in the notorious Telegram chat rooms. Stephanie Soo sheds light on the arrest of Cho Joo Bin, known as "the Doctor," and the challenges faced by police and vigilantes in tracking down the perpetrators.

Attempts by police to track users and identify perpetrators

The police worked diligently to infiltrate the chat rooms, facing challenges to track users and gather evidence without being detected or alerting the perpetrators. They had to be cautious to avoid the destruction of key evidence. The investigators found it particularly difficult to identify "the Doctor" as he possessed a detailed understanding of police procedures and shared effective anonymization techniques with chat room users.

Vigilante efforts by hacking group "Team Red"

As police were maneuvering to catch the suspects, vigilantes also took action. Digital Prison was used by unnamed individuals to expose the identities of chat room users. Meanwhile, Team Red, a group of anonymous hackers in South Korea, set a phishing trap to obtain the IP address and personal data of "God God" by sending a fake tip line link related to the "Nth Rooms."

Apprehension of the leaders

Cho Joo Bin was apprehended by the police right before entering his house. Initially, he denied being "the Doctor" and even attempted ...

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Investigation into the chat rooms; arrest of God God and the Doctor

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The investigation into the Telegram chat rooms involved efforts by the police to track users and gather evidence discreetly. The perpetrators used sophisticated anonymization techniques, making it challenging for law enforcement to identify them. Vigilante groups like "Team Red" also played a role in exposing the identities of the individuals involved in the chat rooms. The arrest of Cho Joo Bin, known as "the Doctor," and "God God" marked significant progress in dismantling the criminal activities associated with the chat rooms.
  • The police infiltrated the chat rooms by working diligently to track users and gather evidence without alerting the perpetrators. They faced challenges in identifying the main suspect, "the Doctor," who was skilled in evading detection and shared anonymization techniques with other users. The investigators had to be cautious to prevent the destruction of crucial evidence while navigating the complexities of online investigations. Their efforts involved a careful balance of surveillance and undercover work to uncover the activities within the chat rooms.
  • Cho Joo Bin's denial of being "the Doctor" and his attempted suicide can be understood as a reaction to the intense pressure and consequences he faced upon his arrest. Denying his identity could have been a strategy to delay or disrupt the investigation process, while the attempted suicide might have been a response to the overwhelming situation he found himself in, including the fear of potential legal repercussions and public exposure.
  • Cho Joo Bin, known as "the Doctor," and "God God" were both involved in the notorious Telegram chat rooms. Cho Joo Bin was the main ope ...

Counterarguments

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#342: Korean College Student Forces 100 Girls To Mutilate Themselves On Camera LIVE For His Chatrooms

Societal impact and reaction to the crimes

The crimes associated with the “Nth rooms” in South Korea have ignited public outrage and a call for harsher punishment for those involved. The media's attention to figures like "God God" and "the Doctor" is a testament to the level of public engagement and likely outrage.

Public outrage and demands for harsh punishment

Stephanie Soo compares Seoul to Gotham City in a state of lockdown to illustrate the chaos and concern gripping the city in the wake of the revelations. Citizens were deeply worried that family or acquaintances might be complicit as viewers in the illegal chat rooms, underlying the case's pervasive societal impact.

The public responded with significant criticism and severe demands following the discovery of the illegal chat rooms. They were particularly angered by the leniency of existing laws against child crimes in Korea, which triggered massive petitions calling for legislative reforms. There was also a push for the extradition of the perpetrator to the U.S., where it was felt he would face a stiffer penalty. This is evidenced by niche websites such as Digital Prison, which gained traction by exposing viewers of the videos leading to further public indignation.

Comparisons to previous child exploitation cases and concern over light sentencing

Prevailing sentiment among South Koreans included confusion and anger over light sentencing for crimes against children. For instance, the founder of Welcome to Video received only an 18-month prison sentence, sparking fears of similarly inadequate punishments for "God God" and "the Doctor." South Koreans were so displeased with their judicial system’s handling of the case that there were suggestions that such criminals should face punishment in jurisdictions like North Korea or the U.S., which are perceived to have stricter legal consequences.

The narrative around similar cases fosters a broader societal distrust in the adequacy of legal repercussions. Despite requests for life sentences, the sentences awarded – 42 years after being reduced from 45 for "the Doctor" and 34 years for "God God" – were deemed insufficient by many. Additionally, individuals involved in crimes akin to the Nth room incidents are receiving lighter sentences, like Peemuge, who ran "Project N" and was sentenced to only five years.

Emotional and psychological toll; copycat chat rooms continue despite arrests

The societal impact is also evident in the emotional and psychologica ...

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Societal impact and reaction to the crimes

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The "Nth rooms" were a series of online chat rooms in South Korea where users paid to access and view violent sexual abuse videos of women, including minors. The term "Nth rooms" signifies the numerous chat rooms involved in this illicit activity, with each room labeled sequentially (e.g., 1st room, 2nd room, and so on). These rooms operated on encrypted messaging apps and websites, allowing perpetrators to hide their identities and activities from law enforcement. The exposure of the "Nth rooms" sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter punishments for those involved in these heinous crimes.
  • "God God" and "the Doctor" were nicknames used to identify key perpetrators involved in the "Nth rooms" scandal in South Korea. These individuals were central figures in operating illegal chat rooms where violent sexual exploitation videos of minors were shared and sold. Their actions sparked widespread outrage and demands for harsh punishment due to the heinous nature of their crimes.
  • Stephanie Soo's comparison of Seoul to Gotham City in a state of lockdown is a metaphor highlighting the chaos and fear gripping the city due to the revelations of the "Nth rooms" crimes. Gotham City is a fictional city known for its crime and corruption in the Batman comics, making the comparison evoke a sense of darkness and danger. Soo's analogy underscores the severity of the situation and the widespread concern and alarm felt by the citizens of Seoul.
  • The founder of Welcome to Video, a notorious dark web child exploitation site, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in the United States in 2020. This case drew international attention due to the scale of the illegal activities on the platform and the leniency of the sentence compared to the severity of the crimes committed. The relatively short sentence sparked concerns and discussions about the adequacy of punishments for individuals involved in such heinous offenses. The case highlighted the challenges and complexities in prosecuting and sentencing individuals involved in online child exploitation networks.
  • "The Doctor" was sentenced to 42 years in prison, which was reduced from an initial 45-year sentence. "God God" was sentenced to 34 years in prison. These sentences were deemed insufficient by many, leading to public dissatisfaction with the judicial system's handling of the case.
  • Peemuge was involved in running "Project N," which was another online operation similar to the "Nth rooms" in South Korea. Peemuge's case garnered attention due to the illegal activities associated with the project, leading to legal repercussions. "Project N" was part of the broader issue of online exploitation and abuse, reflecting the ongoing challenges in combating such crimes. The sentencing of Peemuge to only five years raised concerns about the adequacy of punishments for individuals involved in these illicit online activities.
  • The emotional and psychological toll on the citizenry in the context of the "Nth rooms" crimes in South Korea refers to the significant impact on people's mental well-being and emotional state caused by the shocking nature of the crimes. This includes feelings of distress, fear, and trauma experienced by individuals upon learning about the exploitation and abuse of victims in the illegal chat rooms. The revelation of such heinous acts can lead to extreme reactions like self-harm, panic, and even strained personal relationships as individuals grapple with the ...

Counterarguments

  • The comparison of Seoul to Gotham City might be seen as an exaggeration, as the fictional city represents an extreme level of lawlessness and despair that may not accurately reflect the situation in Seoul.
  • The push for extradition to the U.S. for harsher punishment raises questions about the sovereignty of South Korea's legal system and the principle of trying individuals in the jurisdiction where the crime was committed.
  • The focus on harsher punishments and extradition may overshadow the need for systemic reforms within South Korea's own legal and social systems to better address and prevent such crimes.
  • The effectiveness of websites like Digital Prison in deterring crime could be debated, as public shaming may not be a legally sanctioned or ethically appropriate response to criminal behavior.
  • The desire for extremely harsh punishments, such as suggesting that criminals face punishment in jurisdictions like North Korea, may conflict with international human rights standards and the principles of proportionality in sentencing.
  • The emotional and psychological toll on the citizenry, while significant, may not be universally experienced to the same degree, and some individuals may be more resilient or less directly affected by the crimes.
  • The termination of personal relationships due to associatio ...

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