From The Korea Times Nation: Story

Police are drawing fire from human rights groups for their plans to give rewards to those who report cases of the sex trade, which activists argue may violate the rights of innocent victims.

Police announced on Friday that it will start the reward system for information concerning the sex trade from Oct. 11. The police plans to give up to 2 million won (around $1,750) to those who notify the authorities of cases or the location of sex traders. Police said the value of the reward will be increased in the future.

The police have conducted a large-scale crackdown on sex trade businesses, but their efforts have backfired as sex businesses have turned to the Internet and residential areas to attract customers.

Critics argue the reward system may cause many negative effects, saying freelance photographers may try to make a living by snooping around and reporting as many cases as possible, often infringing on innocent victims' right to privacy.

There are concerns that some individuals may blackmail people who commit adultery, destroying the lives of families. Many are also concerned that pictures and other related information might be released to the public, causing irrevocable damage to those concerned. In addition, entertainment spots such as karaoke bars and lodging facilities such as hotels may also suffer financially.

Since the crackdown was launched on Sept. 23, brothel operators and prostitutes working in red-light districts have staged rallies in downtown Seoul, denouncing the government's lack of plans for helping them find alternative ways of earning a living.

On Oct. 1, some 300 women who work in red-light districts, including Miari, northern Seoul, demonstrated in front of Inchon City Hall, calling for the protection of their livelihoods. Some 200 women belonging to brothels in the area held a meeting in the evening on the same day and decided to stage a rally in front of the National Assembly in Yoido on Oct. 7.

Late last month, a prostitute in the area attempted suicide by taking about 20 sleeping pills, leaving a note denouncing the police crackdown. Brothel operators of Chongnyangri, northern Seoul, also held a news conference on Sept. 30 in an effort to oppose the new measures.

With the new anti-prostitution law, police have apprehended 468 violators engaged in the illegal sex trade. Twenty-one people have been arrested, including 13 brothel owners and seven customers, while arrest warrants have been requested for 27 others. Some 420 violators have been arrested without detention.

Among the cases, karaoke bars providing sex ranked first with 41 cases, followed by illegal barber shops offering prostitutes with 16 cases. Shops in red-light districts accounted for 14 cases while Illegal massage parlors came in fourth with 13 cases.

Damn tha man.