"Trying To Eliminate Red-Light Districts, They Even Appear In Front Of Schools"...Kim Dongwan Reaffirms His Stance

Temporarily Closed His Social Media Account as Controversy Grew
Kim Dongwan: "I Just Said What I Wanted to Say"

Kim Dongwan, member of the group Shinhwa and actor. Kim Dongwan Instagram

Kim Dongwan, a member of the group Shinhwa and an actor, who stirred controversy after mentioning the need to legalize prostitution, has once again clarified his position through social media (SNS).

On the 24th, Kim Dongwan posted on his social media that he had recently been receiving many messages from people around him, saying, "Don't worry excessively. I just said what I wanted to say, and the reporters are simply doing their jobs."

On the 17th, Kim Dongwan said, "In trying to eliminate red-light districts, the entire country is becoming a red-light district," and added, "I cannot help but question the existence of red-light districts in front of churches, schools, and police substations." He went on to say, "We need to acknowledge and regulate (prostitution)," and added, "Given that the increase in one-person households has been left unaddressed, we should not simply move on with the logic that we can just cover everything up."

Afterward, when an online user commented, "I have mixed feelings about this issue. I wish the government would collect taxes on it, but when it comes to legalizing it, I'm not sure if that's right," Kim Dongwan responded, "The reason I think it should be legalized is that there are people who cannot do it without paying money. It is also a matter of disease control."

As criticism mounted over his remarks in favor of legalizing prostitution, Kim Dongwan closed the thread, then reopened it on the 20th to offer an explanation. He said, "What I am concerned about is the influx of minors, the lack of disease control, and exploitation within illegal structures," adding, "I believe that turning a blind eye to reality without protection and regulation, while talking about morality, can be a way of evading responsibility."

Meanwhile, under the current Act on the Punishment of Acts of Arranging Sexual Traffic, prostitution and brokerage activities are defined as illegal. Violations can result in imprisonment or fines. In contrast, countries such as the Netherlands and Germany have legalized prostitution and operate it under licensing and registration systems, while New Zealand has adopted a decriminalization model. However, even in these countries, debates continue over issues such as human trafficking and the coexistence of illegal establishments.