Korean club manager convicted of forcing 11 Pinays into prostitution

A South Korean club manager had been convicted of forcing 11 Filipina entertainers into prostitution, but is now out on parole after spending over a month in jail, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.

Seoul-based labor attaché Reydeluz Conferido said Park Byeong-Young was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment and was prohibited from operating his club for two years.

Conferido, however, said that after over a month in jail, the convicted club manager is now out on parole but is required to spend 80 hours of community service.

"The club manager actually spent 50 days in jail and will be under observation for one year. If he gets involved in a similar case, his sentence will be fully carried out," Conferido said.

Conferido said the club manager was convicted based on the complaint filed by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Korean National Police Agency.

The 11 Filipina workers were recruited to work as entertainers but were forced to work as sex slaves. They were rescued from Club 69 in Tongduchon City last June and were repatriated last July 18.

According to Conferido, the POLO in South Korea is also set to file civil damages against the club manager as well as promoters and recruiters of the 11 Filipina entertainers.

"I have just received the assistance that we have requested from the Department of Foreign Affairs’ legal assistance fund that will enable us to pursue claims for civil damages against the club manager, promoters and recruiters," he said.

Conferido dismissed as "inaccurate" reports that the court case will not prosper because the Filipina entertainers were not cooperating with them.

He said the POLO now has the sworn statements of the 11 Filipina entertainers and a videotape recording of their testimonies.