"Put It on the Refrigerator at Home": Why Did "Doctor's Room" Jo Joo-bin Reveal His Certificate of Merit?

Sentenced to 47 Years as the Main Perpetrator of the "Doctor's Room" Case
Posts Certificate of Merit and Box of Cup Noodles Prize on Blog
Shares Cellmates' Rolling Paper Messages: "Your Bright Demeanor Was Great"

Controversy has arisen after Jo Joo-bin, 30, the ringleader of the “Doctor’s Room” case involving the production and distribution of sexual exploitation videos of minors, publicly revealed on his blog that he received an “Outstanding Achievement in Education” award while in prison.

On February 20, Jo Joo-bin, who is currently incarcerated at Northern Gyeongbuk Correctional Institution No. 1 (formerly Cheongsong Prison), posted an entry titled “Acceptance Speech” on his blog.

Jo Joo-bin, the mastermind behind the "Doctor's Room case" that shocked society. Photo by Yonhap News

The blog in question was established by a proxy on Jo Joo-bin’s behalf in January 2024. It is reportedly operated by having a proxy post letters written by Jo Joo-bin from inside prison. In his post, Jo Joo-bin wrote, “I received a certificate of merit. It was to commend my active participation in education over three weeks,” adding, “Not everyone receives such a certificate, and as an additional prize, I was given a box of cup noodles, so I think it is something to be proud of.” He continued, “I asked my family to put it on the refrigerator at home.”

Furthermore, Jo Joo-bin said, “Winning an award always feels good. It is an emotion that comes from having one’s efforts recognized,” and explained, “An award is the fruit of one’s labor, and it can empower those who are unfortunate and unhappy.” He emphasized, “The certificate I received also holds that meaning. It is a treasure map and a treasure that reminds me I can do it too, and helps me grip the rudder of my life even more firmly.” He went on to add, “I never received an award during my school days,” and said, “Receiving one after coming to prison is a unique feeling. I will use this as motivation to work diligently throughout this year.”

A photo of the certificate, issued in the name of the prison warden, was also released on the blog. The certificate states that Jo Joo-bin has completed the “2026 1st Intensive Personality Education Basic Course” with distinction. At the end of his post, he also shared a rolling paper he received from his cellmates. Messages on the rolling paper included, “It was nice to see you always living with a positive attitude,” “Your constant bright demeanor was great,” and “Stay strong during your time in prison.”

Rolling paper and certificate posted on a blog operated by Jo Joo-bin through a proxy. Jo Joo-bin blog

Online users responded,“The victims are still living in pain, yet he is boasting about an award,”“This post seems more like self-aggrandizement than reflection,” “It’s hard to understand how it’s possible to run a blog from prison,” and “The problem isn’t the box of cup noodles, it’s his attitude.” On the other hand, a minority commented, “His sincere participation in correctional education itself can be evaluated.”

Meanwhile, Jo Joo-bin was brought to trial on charges of operating the “Doctor’s Room” on Telegram, where he threatened victims—including minors—and produced and distributed sexually exploitative videos. In October 2021, the Supreme Court sentenced him to 42 years and 4 months in prison. In December last year, an additional 5-year sentence was finalized for a separate case involving the rape of a minor and the production of child sexual exploitation material, bringing his total sentence to 47 years. He is currently serving his sentence at Northern Gyeongbuk Correctional Institution No. 1. However, according to Jo Joo-bin’s side, preparations are underway for his transfer to another correctional facility, although the specific timing or location has not been disclosed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.