South Korean sex workers rally to protest laws

South Korea enforced tougher anti-prostitution laws in 2004, driving thousands of prostitutes and pimps out of business.

Seoul: Hundreds of South Korean sex workers have rallied to call for the abolishment of laws that toughened the punishment for prostitution.

About 1,600 prostitutes and pimps chanted slogans calling for the laws to be scrapped at a rally in Seoul on Thursday. The prostitutes mostly wore baseball caps, sunglasses and masks to hide their identities.

Police said the rally was peaceful.

Prostitution is illegal in South Korea, but is widespread despite repeated government crackdowns.

South Korea enforced tougher anti-prostitution laws in 2004, driving thousands of prostitutes and pimps out of business.

Earlier this year, police launched intensified crackdowns on several brothels in Seoul and other cities, sparking violent protests.

Bureau Report

Zee News App: Read latest news of India and world, bollywood news, business updates, cricket scores, etc. Download the Zee news app now to keep up with daily breaking news and live news event coverage.