KB News Desk
Police have uncovered an alleged prostitution ring in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, that is believed to have recorded nearly 10,000 customer visits over three years and generated more than 500 million won ($353,000) in annual revenue, according to local media reports Tuesday.
The group allegedly operated three massage parlors in central Chuncheon where customers were offered sexual services.
The operation allegedly began in 2023 and counted police officers, firefighters and other public officials among its customers, KBS reported.
Two alleged ringleaders have been detained, while about 50 employees are under investigation without detention.
The businesses accepted customers by reservation only. Although they were advertised online as massage parlors that did not provide sexual services, people who left their contact information through the websites were later contacted by phone or message to arrange visits, according to police.
Reservation records seized by investigators allegedly included the names of numerous public officials.
“We launched the investigation after receiving intelligence about online prostitution from our vice squad,” a police official was quoted as saying by KBS. “We are wrapping up our investigation of the business owners and employees and are now investigating customers suspected of paying for sexual services.”
