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Repeated crackdown failures have left clients, brokers increasingly elusive
By Bahk Eun-ji, Park Si-soo
Police recently smashed a prostitution ring involving several Korean female celebrities suspected of having sold sex for money here and in the United States.
The case, for which a police investigation is ongoing, shed light on the darkest side of the nation's showbiz industry that has been plagued by similar scandals involving rich, powerful and glamorous women.
Every time such an incident hits headlines, the law enforcement declares war on prostitution rings. But the clampdown always fizzles out. The repeated failures of sweeping crackdown have left prostitution brokers and their clients increasingly elusive.
Two entertainment industry insiders were arrested last week in connection with the latest case. They are suspected of having arranged "sponsored dating" between a financially troubled female celebrity and a deep-pocketed businessman in April last year. Police are widening their investigation to determine whether other businessmen or celebrities are involved.
One man, identified only by his surname Kang, has a history of being caught for the same violation ― he was convicted in 2010 of arranging prostitution between a wealthy businessmen and celebrities including a Miss Korea-turned-actress.
Mid-aged actresses or singers wrestling with waning income and beauty are said to be the main recipients of sex-for-money offers. But a recent case showed the target range has been expanded to include up-and-coming celebrities in their early 20s.
In January, Jisoo, 21, a member of K-pop girl band Tahiti, said she had received an offer of "sponsored" dating through Facebook messenger. She said she received a message from an unidentified person who introduced himself as a "sponsorship broker." Jisoo told police the broker asked her to have sex with his "client" in return for between 600,000 and 2 million won. Police are investigating.
In 2009, actress Jang Ja-yeon was found dead in an apparent suicide, leaving a note in which she said she was forced into having drinks and sex with media and business moguls.
Prosecutors launched a full-fledged investigation, but it ended fruitlessly in 2010.
