Choi Young‑joong Resigns as Cheongju Councilor Amid Child Sex‑Trafficking Probe

Choi Young‑joong, a newly elected member of the Cheongju City Council in South Korea, stepped down on June 16 after police launched a forced investigation into allegations that he engaged in sexual transactions with middle‑school girls and produced child‑exploitation material. The investigation, which began on June 15, included a search of his council office, constituency office, residence and vehicle, seizing computers, digital storage devices and phone records.

Choi, a member of the People Power Party, was elected in the June 2024 local elections and had served only 15 days before submitting a resignation letter stating it was for “personal reasons.” The council reduced its seats from 45 to 44, and the party’s representation fell from 17 to 16 seats. The party’s Chungcheongbuk‑do ethics committee convened an emergency meeting and voted to expel Choi, citing the severity of the allegations. The council chair approved the resignation, and a by‑election is expected to be scheduled after notification to the election commission.

Choi has denied knowing the victims were minors, acknowledging sexual relations but claiming ignorance of their age, and has repeatedly postponed providing his phone to investigators. The case has drawn criticism from opposition parties and raised concerns about ethical standards for elected officials.