How Runaway Teens Are at Risk of Trafficking in South Korea
The word “helper” sounds innocent. But in South Korea, online, it has become a dangerous code. On social media, hashtags like #helper often appear alongside #gachul (runaway), #jatei (high school dropouts), and #yeoja (girls). These posts are meant as cries for help from teens—mostly girls—looking for food and a safe place to sleep. But predators are watching too.
A recent experiment proves this terrifying reality. A reporter posed as a 13-year-old runaway girl and posted a message asking for “helpers” in Seoul. Within five minutes, four adult men responded—offering lodging, dinner, and even overnight stays. One asked to meet for dinner and suggested a motel. Another requested photos and offered his home. This is the reality runaway teens face online every day.
Why do they turn to strangers? As vulnerable children and teens, many are trusting that these people actually want to help. Additionally, many runaways don’t know about shelters—or can’t get there. They’re desperate. Domestic and economic hardship make them vulnerable, and predators exploit that vulnerability. A 2015 study found that nearly 1 in 5 runaway girls had been pushed into prostitution.
Here’s the crucial distinction: when teens are underage, coerced, or trapped in debt or dependency, what may appear as “prostitution” is actually sex trafficking. Most runaway teens fall into these categories:
Coerced: Predators manipulate or threaten them, promising safety, food, or money.
Debt bondage: Teens are forced to “pay back” expenses, like travel costs or shelter, with sexual acts.
Underage: Any sexual activity with minors is trafficking by definition, regardless of consent.
This means many runaway girls who appear to be engaging in prostitution are actually victims of trafficking. They are exploited and trapped, with few ways to escape.
The consequences are real and tragic:
On June 12, 2024, a man in his 20s in Daegu provided shelter to a runaway girl, then sexually abused her and threatened to distribute video footage. He was sentenced to five years in prison.
On May 31, 2024, two men in their 40s in Gyeonggi Province were arrested for sexually assaulting and prostituting two runaway girls near Yeouido Han River Park.
Even when teens are aware of shelters, only a small percentage actually go. Organizations like Tacteen warn: self-proclaimed “helpers” often start with food and lodging, then escalate to sexual exploitation.
As of 2021, South Korea sees between 128,000 and 200,000 teen runaways each year, with 40.7% of female runaway teens experiencing sexual violence, many of whom are forced into the sex trade. These adolescents are among the most vulnerable in society, and what may appear as “help” online can quickly turn into a trap leading directly to trafficking. This is why MWI focuses on:
Awareness: Educating communities about the risks online “helpers” and the warning signs of trafficking.
Safe Access & Resources: Connecting at-risk youth to official shelters, hotlines, and counseling services—so survival doesn’t have to mean exploitation.
Prevention & Rescue: Partnering with local NGOs and law enforcement to intervene in cases of trafficking, provide safe housing, and support victims’ recovery.
Advocacy & Policy Work: Researching and advocating for stronger protections, better enforcement of existing laws, and expanded resources for teens to prevent exploitation before it starts
Runaway teens are being targeted every day. Predators are waiting, online and offline. At MWI, we are committed to shining a light on these hidden dangers and taking real action to protect teens and fight trafficking at its roots.
Raising Awareness. Advancing Freedom. Ending Exploitation.