"Temperature Check? Why Bother?" Lights Turn On Again in the Red-Light District Today [Reporter Han Visits]

Concerns Over COVID-19 Infection in Red-Light Districts Like Miari and Yeongdeungpo
Illegal Prostitution Excluded from Assembly Ban
Experts Warn of Hidden Transmission Spread... Government Attention Needed

On the afternoon of the 1st, the red-light district street near Yeongdeungpo Station in Seoul. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Temperature check? Why bother with that? There’s no COVID-19 here, I’m telling you!"

As confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) surged, social distancing measures were raised to level 2.5 mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area. Despite concerns over the spread of COVID-19, the so-called red-light districts, known as jipchangchon, continued to operate actively.

There were no temperature check devices, which are the minimum quarantine measures, nor were there any visitor logs necessary for epidemiological investigations in case of confirmed cases. Experts emphasized that these areas are effectively blind spots in quarantine and require government oversight.

On the afternoon of the 1st, a red-light district in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, was still in operation. There were also a number of touts along the streets trying to attract men passing by. The red lighting symbolizing the red-light district spilled from the alleys onto the main roads.

Although the Seoul city government issued an administrative order from the 24th of last month mandating mask-wearing indoors and outdoors due to COVID-19, some touts were not wearing masks. As a result, people entering or passing through this red-light district were at risk of COVID-19 infection.

A tout who appeared to be in his 50s continuously called out to men passing by, saying, "The door is open, please come in," persistently continuing business.

It was a scene where quarantine rules were practically all ignored. Nevertheless, those involved showed no concern about the risk of COVID-19 spread.

Reference photo. A red-light district in a provincial area. The photo is not related to any specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

A representative of the red-light district said, "There is no COVID-19 here. I take responsibility," showing a focus solely on business. In particular, they reacted sensitively when asked about the minimum preventive measures such as 'temperature checks' and 'visitor logs.'

The representative emphasized, "(Preventive measures) are not necessary. Masks are not needed either. You don’t have to worry about COVID-19." When the reporters repeatedly asked about concerns over COVID-19 spread, they raised their voice, saying, "Stop worrying. Nothing has happened even though people come and go. There is no COVID-19."

The situation was the same in another red-light district near Yeongdeungpo Station. Although the district announced a temporary closure due to COVID-19, it was expected to resume operations immediately after the temporary shutdown ended.

Even during the closure, men visiting the area could be easily found.

A man who requested anonymity said, "My workplace is around here, so I’m just passing through this area," and quickly turned away. Another man also emphasized, "I just came to the nearby convenience store; I’m not here for any other purpose."

Once the red-light district resumes business, there is no way to verify who visits, when, or how. Considering the clandestine nature of these districts, epidemiological investigations would be difficult even if confirmed cases emerge. This inevitably leads to an increase in so-called blind transmission.

The problem lies in the fact that since red-light districts are illegal, the government lacks proper grounds to conduct inspections or monitor COVID-19 spread.

It is a situation where people working or visiting these places can only be expected to manage COVID-19 prevention themselves, such as hand sanitization.

On February 6th, a medical staff member is moving after disinfecting the examination room at the COVID-19 screening clinic of Seoul Medical Center in Jungnang-gu, Seoul, which has nationally designated inpatient treatment beds.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Authorities stated that no confirmed COVID-19 cases linked to red-light districts have been reported so far. Experts warned of the high risk of 'blind transmission' and urged the government to manage the situation promptly.

A Seoul city official told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "Since red-light districts are illegal, it is a delicate situation where we cannot issue assembly bans," adding, "We believe management can be possible through cooperation among related agencies." They also emphasized, "However, no COVID-19 cases originating from red-light districts have been confirmed yet."

Experts called for swift COVID-19 management of red-light districts.

Professor Kim Woo-joo, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, said, "Looking at the current situation, red-light districts are indeed blind spots in COVID-19 quarantine," adding, "Another problem is that users of these places are highly likely to conceal their movements even if they test positive for COVID-19. Ultimately, this can lead to blind transmission and confirmed cases."

Regarding the neglect of management because red-light districts are illegal, he suggested, "The coronavirus does not distinguish between illegal or legal spaces when spreading. Especially since these spaces are enclosed and involve close contact, prompt management by authorities is urgent."