An year-old involved in sex work in Pyongsong, South Pyongan Province, was sentenced to time in a correctional facility in early October, Daily NK has learned. The woman was living with her mother and had reportedly turned to after-school sex work to support her struggling household, a source based in the province told Daily NK on Oct.
The woman was a student, although it is not clear whether she was in high school or in college. Most women accused of prostitution can avoid punishment if they pay a bribe. North Korean authorities have long made efforts to eradicate sex work in the country. These efforts have included public executions of prostitution ring leaders.
For example, Daily NK reported in that two male prostitution ring leaders were put to death by firing squad in Hyesan, Ryanggang Province. Daily NK sources reported that economic reasons have led to a dramatic increase in the rise of prostitution in recent years.
The number of women engaging in sex work in large cities such as Pyongyang or Sinuiju is also increasing. Daily NK reported in September that North Korean authorities have intensified their crackdowns on sex work.
While North Korean authorities sentenced the year-old girl as a way to warn others of the consequences, Daily NK sources said that North Koreans they spoke to expressed sympathy for the woman.
