By Kim Sue-young

A couple in their 20s has been caught for selling their three-day-old baby in May for two million won (about $1,600) on the Internet, according to Daegu Seobu Police Station Wednesday.

Police also reported that the recipient then sold the baby again one hour later for 4.6 million won.

A 28-year-old woman identified as Ryu, who lived with a 22-year-old Lee, gave birth to the baby girl but decided to give up the infant due to financial difficulties.

While searching information regarding adoption on the Internet, they found out that a 26-year-old woman identified by her surname Ahn was looking for a baby. The couple handed over the baby to her at a cafe in Ulsan for the money. But Ahn then gave the infant ― just one hour later ― to a Baek whom she also got to know through the Internet.

Ahn denied that she received any payment.

Baek is believed to have bought the baby in order to adopt an infant quickly and leave no adoption record, according to the police station.

Korea's deeply rooted kinship and rumors that an adoption costs tens of millions won have led people to refrain from adopting through agencies.

According to Daegu, adoption agencies in the city helped only 122 babies find new homes last year.

ksy@koreatimes.co.kr