Former Cheongju Council Member Choi Young-joong to be detained over minor sex‑trade case

South Korean prosecutors have filed a request for a pre‑trial detention warrant against former Cheongju city councilor Choi Young‑joong. He is accused of buying sex from a middle‑school girl, offering money for sexual acts, requesting nude photos, and producing sexual‑exploitation material. The indictment cites violations of the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth against Sexual Violence, including sexual exploitation and the creation of illicit content.

The Cheongju district prosecutor’s office argued that there is a risk of evidence destruction, prompting the request for an arrest warrant. A hearing on the warrant is scheduled for 30 May at 2 p.m. before Judge Tae‑Ji‑young of the Cheongju District Court. Police investigations revealed that Choi allegedly used a chat app to contact the victim, offered compensation for sexual encounters, and attempted to conceal his identity and residence. He has denied knowing the victim was a minor but admitted the sexual acts. Following the allegations, Choi resigned from his council seat and was expelled from the People Power Party.

The case highlights ongoing concerns over sexual crimes involving public officials in South Korea and is being closely monitored by local media and law‑enforcement agencies.