Former Cheongju City Councilor Choi Youngjung Expelled from People Power Party over Child Prostitution Allegations

9th Executive Board Meeting Held on July 20; Agenda Ratified as Proposed

Choi Youngjung, Who Voluntarily Resigned Council Seat, Expected to Accept Disciplinary Action

The People Power Party has expelled Choi Youngjung, former member of Cheongju City Council, who is under police investigation for allegations of child prostitution.

The Chungbuk Provincial Chapter of the People Power Party announced on July 20 that it held its 9th executive board meeting and ratified the agenda to expel former Councilman Choi as originally proposed.

Chung Youngjung, former Cheongju City Council member. Courtesy of Cheongju City Council

Previously, the Ethics Committee of the Chungbuk Provincial Chapter of the People Power Party convened an emergency meeting on July 15 and, given the seriousness of the case, decided to expel former Councilman Choi. Under party regulations, Choi could have filed an appeal with the Central Ethics Committee within 10 days, but since he voluntarily resigned his council seat on July 16, he is expected to accept the party's disciplinary decision.

Choi is under police investigation on charges of statutory rape of a minor under the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse. From October 2024 until May last year, he allegedly met middle school student “A” whom he got to know through a mobile chat application, had sexual relations with her in a vehicle and a motel on two or three occasions, and produced sexual exploitation material.

According to the police investigation, Choi approached “A” by offering to buy her cigarettes, then had sexual relations with her, and provided money and gifts. He is also accused of requesting photos of “A” in specific poses and nude photographs, which he saved on his mobile phone after receiving them.

The charges currently brought against Choi include statutory rape of a minor, solicitation under the Act on the Protection of Children and Juveniles from Sexual Abuse, production of sexual exploitation material, and sexually exploitative communication.

During the first police inquiry in May, Choi reportedly stated, “I admit to having had a sexual relationship, but I did not know she was a minor.” In a phone interview with Newsis, he said, “There has been no verdict yet, and there are aspects I feel are unfair. I have nothing further to say at this time.”

These facts came to light when the Chungbuk Provincial Police Agency conducted searches and seizures of Choi’s city council office, district office, and residence on July 15. The police are currently conducting digital forensics on Choi’s seized mobile phone, PC, and vehicle black box. Additionally, a travel ban has been issued on Choi due to concerns over possible flight.

Police plan to determine whether there are additional offenses through the results of the forensic investigation, after which they will conduct a second round of questioning and consider applying for an arrest warrant.

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