Kim Jong-un is stamping down on 'debaucherous' sexual activity in North Korean bath houses with new rules.
The rules will target public service facilities like beauty salons, bathhouses, massage parlours and similar establishments that have allegedly turned into "hotbeds of debauchery," as Daily NK put it.
A nationwide directive was issued to “eliminate immoral behavior” in facilities, a source in North Hamgyong province told the aforementioned publication.
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The directive warns that violators face six months of labor re-education or, in severe cases, banishment to rural areas.
While the directive applies to both state-run and privately operated facilities, it will focus more on private establishments as North Korea has recently allowed more in a bid to collect taxes.
The increase in private establishments has led to more illicit activities, the source added.
Daily NK stated that the private businesses offer better services than outdated state-run facilities.
“It’s common for wealthy patrons to expect sexual services along with massages at bathhouses,” the source said. “This kind of behavior has become normalised.”
Massage prices range from £8-£11.50 for legs only to £15-£30 for full body.
The source added that operators are likely to continue dodgy practices for profit, despite the government warnings. Even if caught, many can avoid punishment through bribery, Daily NK said.
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