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–What defines human trafficking/ modern day slavery?

Human trafficking or modern day slavery describes the act of victims being subjected to involuntary servitude, forcing victims into prostitution/sexual slavery/the sex industry, and/or compelling victims to commit sexual acts for the purpose of creating entertainment, pornography, online sex chats, or stripping—all through abduction, threat, pressure, deception, peonage, coercion, debt bondage, abuse of power, forced drug usage, or violence.

–How many trafficked victims are there in the world today?

According to the US Department of Justice, there are approximately 25 million to 30 million slaves today.

–Of these trafficked victims, how many are exploited sexually?

Approximately 79% are exploited sexually, with 18% being categorized as labor trafficking. There is also a growing pandemic of organ trafficking.

–How many of the trafficked victims are children?

According to the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, worldwide, almost 20% of all trafficking victims are children. However, in some parts of the world such as the African or Southeast Asian regions, children are the majority (up to 100% in parts of West Africa or the Mekong Region).

–How many people are trafficked across international borders ever year?

Approximately 700,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders yearly.

–Which continent has the most human trafficking?

The continent of Asia is the largest supply of human trafficking industry. According to the Polaris Project, the Human Trafficking industry generates about 32 billion dollars yearly. Of this 32 billion dollars, Asia contributes 9.7 billion and 15.5 billion come from other industrialized countries.

–Can people still be considered as trafficked victims even though they are not in physical bondage?

Yes, trafficking consists of emotional and mental bondage as well as physical bondage. Many victims are brainwashed, threatened, verbally abused, or forced into high debt bondage, and they cannot leave the industry even though they can physically walk away. Some victims develop a dependency and begin to sympathize with their captors, traffickers, pimps, kidnappers, and abusers. This is called Stockholm Syndrome.

–How many Korean victims of sex trafficking are there in today?

According to South Korea’s Ministry for Gender Equality and the Korean Feminist Association, there are anywhere from 500,000 to 1 million victims who are currently in the sex industry. One out of every five Korean women have been exploited in the sex industry as of today. Furthermore, Korean women are the number one ethnic group to be trafficked for sex into the U.S.A.

–How do most of these victims in South Korea get into the industry?

One majority are child runaways who have been lured into the sex industry through the internet. Most child runaways have either been sexually/physically abused, orphaned, or confined under intense academic pressures. The other majority are native and foreign workers who have been lured with false advertisements of decent jobs over the internet or in local newspapers. Over 90% of child trafficking in South Korea occurs over the internet. Some are voluntary workers who consider the sex industry as a decent way to earn a living and fight for the right to sell sex.

How do most of these victims in Korean American communities get into the industry?
A large majority of girls who come from good families and stable homes are voluntarily entering the industry due to lack of awareness. Another majority are from broken and abusive homes, have been sexually/physically abused, are peer pressured, or are deceived and lured into the industry. These women are tangled into the web of bondage with native Korean women who have been forced and tricked across borders into the USA.

–What are the statistics for Korean men who seek prostitutes?

According to the Korean Institute of Criminology, one-fifth of Korean men buy sex at least four times a month, and Korean men make up the largest ethnic group to seek child prostitutes in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

–How much of the economy does the sex industry make up in South Korea?

Different reports suggest that the sex industry accounts for anywhere from 1.4% to 3% of the annual GDP in South Korea which is roughly 14 to 30 trillion Korean won (13 to 25 billion USD) a year.

–What are some establishments of sexual services and trafficking in the Korean community?

Red light districts, massage parlors, juicy bars, image bars, room salons/roombangs (hostess bars), in-call massages, out-call massages, gigolo rooms/hobbars (male host bars), call girl businesses, kissing rooms, lovetels (motels used for sex), karaoke bars hostesses (doemis), and night clubs are some venues and types of trafficking. For more information on the different types of Korean sex establishments, click here.

–Currently, what laws are in place against human trafficking in South Korea?

South Korea prohibits trafficking for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation, including debt bondage, through its 2004 “Act on the Punishment of Intermediating in the Sex Trade and Associated Acts.” Although this law is in place, it has not been enforced properly.

–What can I do to help fight modern day slavery?

Prayer is our most powerful weapon. Use it as often as possible. Spread the gospel whenever you get the chance. The gospel is the answer to the problem of human trafficking. You can do your due diligence and learn about the red flags that may indicate human trafficking. Learn to identify and report human trafficking appropriately. Many helpful books and websites contain an array of information. Volunteer for a local organization or join a ministry that supports anti-human trafficking efforts, start a grassroots organization in your community, or spread awareness in your schools and places of employment through campaigns. Donate to your local anti-human trafficking organizations, or help start a fundraiser to raise money. Have screenings of anti-human slavery movies to spread awareness. Use your professional skills to seek justice around the world where people with your talents are greatly needed. Mobilize your church to seek and pray for justice.

 

For more information on human trafficking, click here.