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RE: This is What Happens when you Make Porn Illegal [Part 3: The Lucrative Sex Service Business]
Great post @hansikhouse. As a foreigner living here I can see many illicit things that go on, but when I bring it up with Korean friends or coworkers the subject becomes almost taboo. Very very interesting how a multi billion dollar industry is kind of brushed under the carpet, as everyone is aware of what is going on. Why not give it the attention it deserves, even go so far as to legalize it, so you can tax sex workers, allow proper health care etc. When marriage failure rates continue to rise, prostitution has become ubiquitous, porn sites are banned, and no one is having a conversation about this, that's the biggest problem of all
In a country that would rather die than lose face, I'm still shocked at the daily national amnesia that occurs around this industry. I agree with you, some public discourse and legislation could go a long way to protect both consumers and providers. Still, even basic sex education is yet to be implemented to we'll see what happens in terms of real action. My biggest concern is all of the consequences that are occurring due to this hush hush topic. Recently there was a big scandal where Korean middle school(?) girls were willingly taking part in unprotected prostitution and one even contracted HIV. Oy vey....
Thanks for the comment Jason!
You're totally right. Education goes a long way, and sex education is no different. The idea about losing face is also (likely) a big reason for the very high suicide rate in this country. When people can't openly talk about their problems without fear of stigma and harsh judgement, you get exactly the type of problems we are currently seeing. It's great to have the perspective of a Korean who didn't really grow up in Korea.
Haha I reaaaally appreciate that comment. I'm always an outsider, a Twinkie or Yankee in most peoples' eyes. I think it gives me a broad overhead perspective that helps rationalize why things are rather than chalking it up to "well, that's just the way things are here." It's frightening how easy it is to be swept up in a wave of culture, especially in a smaller nation like Korea, and not doubt day to day activities and dispositions.