Tuesday, December 26, 2006 at 1:01am
Seoul pays men to shun hookers
The South Korean government is offering cash to male workers for vowing to avoid prostitutes after New Year celebrations The Ministry for Gender Equality is offering money to companies whose male employees pledge not to pay for sex after office parties.
Men are being urged to register on the ministry's website. The companies with most pledges will receive a bonus, BBC Online reported Tuesday.
Officials say they want to put an end to the common practice of men getting drunk at parties and going on to buy sex. Critics, however, say the plan is a waste of money.
Despite new anti-prostitution laws passed in 2004, the practice is said to be widespread in S. Korea. Some estimates suggest more than one million work in the sex industry.
Men are being urged to register on the ministry's website. The companies with most pledges will receive a bonus, BBC Online reported Tuesday.
Officials say they want to put an end to the common practice of men getting drunk at parties and going on to buy sex. Critics, however, say the plan is a waste of money.
Despite new anti-prostitution laws passed in 2004, the practice is said to be widespread in S. Korea. Some estimates suggest more than one million work in the sex industry.