Nowadays, the rate of child sexual abuse is rapidly increasing. Experts point out that it is due to the active distribution of child sexual abuse videos. In order to solve this problem, tougher punishment will be applied to those who distribute or possess videos. However, is the current punishment enough?

           The punishment for child sexual abuse video is already quite severe since it is affected by Children/Juvenile Sexual Protection Act. There is a minimum fine of 20 million won just for possessing these types of videos. In the case of distributing child sexual abuse video, the punishment is a minimum of three years’ imprisonment and at least a 20 million won fine. Though, the current punishment is far too weak because possession and distribution of child sexual abuse videos can cause cruel social crimes. Moreover, after tightening up the crackdown on child sexual abuse videos on the internet, distribution of child sexual abuse video through the Kakao-talk smartphone application has increased. However, there is no certain punishment for the newly emerging problem.

           The prosecution is applied to ‘possession of child sexual abuse video’ even if one downloads the video and deletes it immediately. However, severely punishing those who product and distribute the videos should take priority rather than indiscriminately prosecuting those who merely possess the videos. Also, possession and distribution of child sexual abuse video through the Internet can be punished by our current Law system, but distribution through Kakao-talk does not have legal ground to be punished. Distribution and playing of the videos should be banned through the negotiation with the person in charge of Kakao-talk.

           Looking at other countries’ cases, they impose stronger penalties than Korea does. The United States sentenced life imprisonment to a guy in his twenties who downloaded child sexual abuse video last November. Most countries in Europe sentence imprisonment for possessing these videos. Denmark and Norway ban making child sexual abuse videos public. Both filming and distributing child sexual abuse videos are employing physical and mental violence toward children. Korea’s prosecution should prohibit child sexual abuse videos going public, following the model case of Denmark and Norway. It is the only way to prevent the future potential crimes related to child sexual abuse.

           The Internet and smartphones have become the source of distributing child sexual abuse videos. Not only adults, but also teenagers and children can access these videos easily. Thus, this is the time to nip a bad situation in the bud early on. Powerful restrictions are desperately needed. Therefore, prohibiting child sexual abuse videos from going public is the most practical solution.