Chinese nationals arrested in Jeju for allegedly running online prostitution ring

Jeju police have arrested a Chinese national and are seeking another for allegedly operating an online prostitution ring that targeted Chinese tourists on the popular South Korean island.

Authorities have charged a Chinese woman in her 30s, identified as Ms. A, with operating a prostitution ring, while a Chinese man in his 30s, Mr. B, has been booked without detention on similar charges. Police allege the pair used a Chinese-language website to post profiles of women of both Chinese and Korean nationality. They then used the WeChat messaging app to arrange sex services with clients, primarily Chinese tourists.

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The domain name for the prostitution website was registered in March last year.

The advertisements listed prices for the services ranging from 110,000 to 500,000 won (approximately $80 to $360 USD). Police received a tip about the operation and arrested Mr. B on an outstanding warrant on Tuesday afternoon. Later that evening, Ms. A was apprehended in a nearby officetel, reportedly involved in processing payments for the services.

Both individuals were reportedly in South Korea on legal visas. Police are also investigating two other individuals, a Chinese national and a South Korean national, both in their 40s, who are believed to have participated in the scheme. These individuals have reportedly fled the country, and arrest warrants have been issued. Authorities have requested the swift closure of the website used for the operation, a process expected to take one to two months.

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We have requested the Korea Communications Standards Commission to shut down the website as quickly as possible, but it could take up to two weeks, or a month at the latest.