1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson explores a disturbing case of human trafficking and forced prostitution that occurred in Daegu, South Korea. The article delves into the shocking details of how a woman, referred to as the “queen bee,” exploited and abused a young woman named So-hee, forcing her into prostitution.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 씨는 | ssi-neun | the person (honorific) | The person (referring to the perpetrator) forced the victim into prostitution more than 1,000 times. |
| 소희 | So-hee | the victim’s name | So-hee was the victim of the forced prostitution case. |
| 아이를 | ai-reul | the child | The perpetrator used the money that was supposed to go towards the child’s needs to force So-hee into prostitution. |
| 씨의 | ssi-ui | the person’s (honorific) | The person’s (perpetrator’s) actions were described as those of a “queen bee” and “parasites.” |
| 성매매를 | seongmaemae-reul | prostitution | The perpetrator forced So-hee to engage in prostitution more than 1,000 times. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
이 사건은 대구에서 발생한 충격적인 인신매매와 강제 성매매 사건이다. 한 여성이 “여왕벌”로 불리며 젊은 여성인 소희를 착취하고 학대했다.
This case was a shocking incident of human trafficking and forced prostitution that occurred in Daegu. A woman, referred to as the “queen bee,” exploited and abused a young woman named So-hee.
태 씨는 소희를 감금하고 1천 회 이상 성매매를 강요했다. 소희의 부모님은 이 사실을 알고 혼인 무효 소송을 준비했다.
Tae-ssi confined So-hee and forced her into prostitution more than 1,000 times. When So-hee’s parents found out, they prepared to file a lawsuit to nullify the marriage.
가해자들은 자신들도 피해자라고 주장했지만, 태 씨가 시키는 대로 행동했다는 점에서 책임을 피할 수 없다.
The perpetrators claimed that they were also victims, but since they acted according to Tae-ssi’s instructions, they cannot avoid responsibility.
이 사건은 인간의 존엄성을 무시하고 약자를 착취하는 심각한 범죄행위였다. 성매매 강요와 감금 등 피해자에게 끔찍한 경험을 안겼다.
This case was a serious criminal act that disregarded human dignity and exploited the vulnerable. The victim was subjected to the horrific experiences of forced prostitution and confinement.
태 씨는 소희의 돈을 가로채고 아기 생활비로 사용했다. 이는 범죄자의 이기적이고 비윤리적인 행동이었다.
Tae-ssi embezzled So-hee’s money and used it for the baby’s living expenses. This was a selfish and unethical act by the criminal.
이 사건은 우리 사회에 경각심을 주며, 약자 보호와 인권 존중의 필요성을 보여준다.
This case serves as a wake-up call to our society, highlighting the need to protect the vulnerable and respect human rights.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What was the main crime committed in this case?
- Who was the perpetrator referred to as, and what did they do to the victim?
- How did the victim’s parents respond when they found out about the situation?
- How did the perpetrators try to defend themselves, and why was their argument flawed?
- What were some of the negative impacts and implications of this case for society?
5. Cultural and historical notes
This case reflects the persistent issues of human trafficking and exploitation of the vulnerable in South Korean society. It highlights the need for stronger legal protections, social support systems, and a cultural shift towards greater respect for human dignity and rights.