bassexpander
Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.
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Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 2:40 pm Post subject: Sex crackdown is getting nasty... |
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Notice it's been called a, "draconian" crackdown.
Sounds like someone might be a bit pissed its happening?
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Conflict is escalating between police and sex businesses in a red-light district in Seoul following the most draconian crackdown on prostitution in recent memory.
The district in Jangan-dong, central Seoul, has turned noticeably sparse due to the rigorous police crackdown since late July. The area had long seduced sex seekers with 70-odd illegal businesses claiming to be massage parlors or motels.
Since July 28, Lee Joong-goo, the new chief of the Dongdaemun Police Station, has launched an aggressive campaign to wipe out prostitution. Lee dispatches more than 50 officers to the district each night to prevent sex business operations. The move has infuriated the owners, who are clamoring for enough time to find their other ways of making a living.
Upon his July 15 inauguration, Lee said he took the job of stamping out the sex trade in his jurisdiction as his foremost priority, in response to complaints from local residents.
Lee had changed 15 members of the police department dealing with prostitution, apparently to shake off allegations that some of the police took bribes or sexual favors in return for turning a blind eye. In November last year, one police officer was arrested on bribery charges, which drew blistering public criticism.
Thus far, police have arrested six people and booked more than 160 clerks and male sex clients. They have also seized about 100 tons of beds and bathtubs from some 70 suspected brothels.
Business owners, whose anger has come to a head following the suicide of one shop owner, recently threatened to publicize a list of police officers who are alleged to have regularly taken bribes and sexual services.
About 50 gathered on Tuesday to discuss measures as their financial losses have mounted following the one-month-long crackdowns.
"Almost all businesses offered millions of won to police officers, with some giving sexual services in return for not listing their shops as illegal," said one operator.
A 49-year-old man strangled himself to death, leaving a suicide note, accusing the police chief of conducting the "ruthless clampdown" without giving any time for the shop owners to adjust. He also maintained that the crackdown was aimed at the police chief scoring points for his promotion.
"I am well aware that my business is illegal. But, have you ever given any thought to the livelihoods of the many clerks and shopkeepers who are forced to lose their jobs?" he said in the note.
Residents, however, have hailed the police crackdown.
"Whenever I come out here with my kids, I was at a loss for words when encountering pimps on the streets. It is obviously bad for my children's education," said Kim Eun-jae, 38, mother of two daughters.
"I always feel uneasy about my son being exposed to such an obscene culture here, as he has to go past the district for school day and night," said a man asking to remain anonymous.
Last month, the Dongdaemun district office decided to set up surveillance cameras in about 20 places that the police station and residents cited as needing to be monitored. The district council already earmarked about 270 million won ($241,300) for CCTV installation.
However, some note that such aggressive salvo on the businesses could misfire. Some prostitution businesses have moved to other parts of Seoul where police crackdowns are rare, while some still operate their businesses in an increasingly stealthy manner.
Prostitution businesses have become increasingly cunning in evading detection. Some massage parlors have set up CCTVs in all directions, disguising their places as ordinary homes, motels or even hospitals. Some operate online cafes or websites to make clandestine sex arrangements with clients.
Many also noted that the crackdown should be evenly carried out across the capital city. In other such areas near the Yeongdeungpo and Yongsan stations, prostitution businesses are still operating, with police crackdowns taking place only occasionally.
By Song Sang-ho
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