Cheongju City Councilor Subject to Search and Seizure Over Suspected Sexual Exploitation of Minor and Production of Sexual Exploitation Material

A sitting Cheongju city councilor, identified only by his surname Choi, has undergone a police search and seizure on charges of giving money and goods to a female middle school student under the age of 13 and engaging in sexual intercourse. Police are investigating the councilor on four counts, including child prostitution and the production of sexual exploitation material, alleging that he used a chat app to give cigarettes to the victim.

The police investigation began in March following a report by the victim's parents. It was confirmed that Rep. Choi had already undergone police questioning as a suspect in May, prior to the election. During this process, it is understood that Rep. Choi did not reveal his status as a city council candidate and failed to notify his affiliated political party of the relevant facts.

Councilor Choi's side stated that he was unaware that the other party was a minor and that the crime has not yet been definitively proven. Police are analyzing digital data secured through the search and seizure to investigate the specific details of the crime.