• Prostitution is a serious crime that infringes upon basic human rights.

• Prostitution is not an agreement between two individuals.

• Prostitution is a form of structural violence that objectifies human bodies, and most victims of prostitution are women who are the most vulnerable in society.

• Communities that tolerate prostitution become not only a perpetrators but also victims.

In 2000 and 2002, there were a series of fires in the South Korean red light districts and many women were killed. The fires exposed a system of exploitation, and this exploitation was continued with the complicity of the South Korean government. 

A new anti-prostitution law was established in South Korea, in 2004, making it clear that the government has a responsibility to intervene against the exploitation in the sex industry. This law is a very important step in the right direction, strengthening the punishment of pimps and intermediaries, but still, this law is faces many challenges. But the law has severe limits because prostituted women who have not been forced into the sex industry can still be penalized by this law. 

South Korea is approaching a new decade of Anti-prostitution law. For the last 10 years, communities in South Korea have been aware about the parties responsible for ‘prostitution’ and make it clear that intermediaries are subjects of punishment. From now on, Korean government has to develop policy and law to prevent sexual exploitation and to protect women’s human rights.  

Approaching a new decade of Anti-prostitution law, with worldwide Activists, Networks, Organizations for women’s human rights, “Nationwide Solidarity to Solve Prostitution Issues(NSSP)” and “Moongchi– the Network of Women with Prostitution Experience” in Korea demand that the Korean government define prostitution as sexual exploitation, to punish the intermediaries and buyers, and to decriminalize prostituted women. We will work together for the eradication of sexual exploitation and prostitution.