Sex Work in South Korea: A Call for Decriminalisation

This research answers the question: “How did sex work regulation develop in South Korea and what are the effects of the current regulation on sex workers in South Korea?” The goal is to show that sex work in (South) Korea is not a recent phenomenon and that the current practice of criminalising sex work has negative consequences for sex workers. I explain why the oppression and empowerment paradigm fail to account for the complexities of the sex industry. In this thesis I embrace Ronald Weitzer’s polymorphous paradigm, which recognises the diversity of variables in the sex industry that is necessary to effectively analyse sex work in South Korea. Using Weitzer’s pillars for a “best practise” of sex work (visibility, eligibility, health, rights and safety) I analyse the situation of three different kinds of sex workers: female indoor sex workers, male indoor sex workers and Bacchus ladies. The results of this analysis show that criminalization of sex workers in South Korea does...Show moreThis research answers the question: “How did sex work regulation develop in South Korea and what are the effects of the current regulation on sex workers in South Korea?” The goal is to show that sex work in (South) Korea is not a recent phenomenon and that the current practice of criminalising sex work has negative consequences for sex workers. I explain why the oppression and empowerment paradigm fail to account for the complexities of the sex industry. In this thesis I embrace Ronald Weitzer’s polymorphous paradigm, which recognises the diversity of variables in the sex industry that is necessary to effectively analyse sex work in South Korea. Using Weitzer’s pillars for a “best practise” of sex work (visibility, eligibility, health, rights and safety) I analyse the situation of three different kinds of sex workers: female indoor sex workers, male indoor sex workers and Bacchus ladies. The results of this analysis show that criminalization of sex workers in South Korea does little to improve their living conditions and can create life-threatening stations. In conclusion, I opt for decriminalisation of sex workers in South Korea and emphasise the importance of involvement of sex workers in policy making and research.Show less

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Sex Work in South Korea: A Call for Decriminalisation