Police investigating former Cheongju City Councilman Choi Young-jung, who is accused of child prostitution, have captured circumstances pointing to additional crimes and are expanding their investigation.

Police reportedly discovered nude photos of a woman during the forensic analysis of a mobile phone voluntarily submitted by former Councilman Choi.

The woman in the photos was reportedly a different person from the previously identified victim, a middle school girl, and was wearing attire resembling a school uniform.

The photos were reportedly found in messenger conversations exchanged between former Councilman Choi and this woman.

Police view it as highly likely that this woman is an additional victim.

It was reported that police suspended the forensic search and reinitiated search and seizure procedures to secure relevant conversation records and other materials.

Police plan to secure the relevant data to verify the relationship between former Councilman Choi and the woman, as well as whether any crimes were committed.

They are also examining whether there are additional victims based on one year's worth of former Councilman Choi's communication records and financial transaction information.

A police official stated, "Because this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot confirm specific details," adding, "We are examining all aspects of the crimes, including additional offenses, thoroughly."

Former Councilman Choi faces charges of having sexual relations with a middle school student in exchange for money on three occasions over a one-year period starting in October 2024 in vehicles and motels, and demanding that she take and send nude photos of herself.

He is also accused of making sexual remarks, such as proposing to the victimized middle school student that he would give her more money if she brought a friend and an older sister, showing her a video of himself having sexual relations with another woman, and sending messages hinting at having sexual relations together with a woman of a different nationality.

Former Councilman Choi denies the charges, claiming, "I had sexual relations, but I did not know she was a minor."

(Photo: Yonhap News)