Some 10 years since South Korea enacted its antiprostitution law, new forms of sex trade have continued to evolve in legal loopholes, including sex services for women and overseas prostitution. With the law vocally opposed by an increasing number of sex workers, its efficacy has constantly been questioned. The following is the first installment. At first glance, he looks like an ordinary young man in his late 20s. Casually dressed in blue jeans and a black sweater, the man also exudes an athletic vibe.
Most would believe him if he claimed to work at a fitness club, or as a professional athlete. The man, in fact, is a part-time sex worker targeting women. And the industry may be more thriving now than ever-- all behind closed doors. Almost all services were given by male masseurs, who would sometimes use extra equipment, such as adult sex toys for women, upon request. Today, the services for women have become even more discreet in the country where sex services for men, on the other hand, have been relatively more common and therefore face wider crackdowns.
We are not doing this at a parlor. The man offers three massage options -- courses A, B and C. Course A is an hour-long service consisting of a regular aromatherapy massage. The photographs remind one of bodybuilding competitions. I think our services established itself as a part of leisure culture. A lot of our clients are young women in their 20s. Some women would go to a motel together with friends and get the service at the same time, in separate rooms.
Shin Jeong-ae not her real name , a year-old married woman, has been receiving such massages, without intercourse, for the last four years. In , she had a number of health issues, including chronic indigestion and leg pain. It also helps with indigestion. Shin said she has a stable marriage with her husband, and does not feel bad about getting such services.
Sung Kyung-won, an expert in sex education, said the idea that men usually have higher sex drive than women is largely a myth. But such an industry obviously exists because there is a demand. And more women are becoming financially independent. Indeed, the male sex worker said most of his clients are women with stable jobs and income. She spent most of her income as a sex worker paying off her family debt.
