A post by a former sex trade worker who had been receiving exit-from-prostitution support funds, complaining that the payment had been reduced, has spread, fueling a heated debate over the effectiveness of the program.
On the 24th, a post by a person identified as A, who introduced oneself as a former sex trade worker, was uploaded to an online community and sparked public outrage. A said, "I received 5.4 million won as a support payment for victims of the sex trade in December," and added, "Until last month, 6.2 million won came in. Why did it suddenly go down?"
A went on, "The place I used to work was an officetel, and I applied for the subsidy starting in July," and said, "I'm traveling in Europe now, so I have a lot to spend, and a cut of as much as 800,000 won feels big."
A added, "I think I'll have to spend only Christmas and then return to Korea to start working again," and said, "I also have a home loan and a car loan. If they're going to make me take a break, shouldn't they at least pay properly?" The remarks effectively suggested using the subsidy to travel overseas and then returning to a sex trade establishment.
In Paju, under the relevant local government ordinance, support is provided for up to two years to victims whose intent to exit prostitution is confirmed, and one person can receive up to about 52 million won by combining living expenses, housing support, training costs, and more.
In addition, if there is a child under 18, an additional 100,000 won per child in monthly living expenses is provided for 24 months. The time-limit rule that previously allowed applications only within a set validity period was deleted or extended, lowering the threshold so that practical support is possible regardless of when the victimization is confirmed.
After the news spread, public criticism continued. Online commenters questioned labeling voluntary sex trade workers as "victims," and raised their voices that taxpayer money should not be wasted on those who use the subsidy for overseas travel expenses or say they will return to establishments. In particular, there were repeated calls to immediately improve the lax management system that determines exit-from-prostitution status only in a perfunctory way.