Culprit Behind 'Obscene Image' Distribution Identified: Democratic Party Member Expelled

The identity of the individual who created and posted synthetic obscene images targeting Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Un-ju has been confirmed.

The suspect turned out to be a member of the Democratic Party, and the party has decided to expel the individual.

Kang Jun-hyun, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, met with reporters at the National Assembly today (July 8) following a Supreme Council meeting. He stated, "We have recognized the situation where synthetic images containing insulting remarks were posted, damaging the honor and character of Representative Lee. We have decided to take emergency disciplinary action against the person who produced and distributed them."

The Democratic Party's National Communication Committee also announced, "We plan to file a complaint against the person who created and distributed the synthetic obscene material targeting Representative Lee in the name of the committee."

Previously, Representative Lee suffered from the distribution of obscene material featuring her photos synthesized online, and due to the shock, she was unable to attend official schedules such as workshops.

Representative Lee's legal representative stated in an official statement on July 3, "We have confirmed that obscene expressions, which involve explicit sexual insults and evoke sexual assault targeting Representative Lee, have been produced and distributed in online spaces recently."

The representative strongly criticized the act, saying, "This is an act completely unrelated to the expression of political opinions or satire," and added, "It is malicious digital sexual violence that attempts to trample on character and honor and damage social reputation by instrumentalizing the gender of a female politician."

Representative Lee left the party in 2017 and returned ahead of the 2024 general election.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Hong Jin-young | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.