November Update from the National Solidarity against Sexual Exploitation of Women
In November, the National Solidarity against Sexual Exploitation of Women continued its advocacy efforts to amend the Act on the Punishment of Prostitution. On November 27, marking the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we held a joint press conference at Gwanghwamun Square under the title “Gender Equality Legislative Tasks the Lee Jae-myung Government Must Take Responsibility For.”
At the press conference, we clearly demanded that the government take immediate responsibility for the following urgent legislative tasks that can no longer be postponed:
1) Enactment of a comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act to build a society free from discrimination and hatred
2) Reform of the criminal law on rape to be based on consent
3) Full revision of the Act on the Punishment of Prostitution to decriminalize women in prostitution
4) Enactment of a law to punish intimate partner violence, ensuring that intimate relationships are the safest relationships
5) Guarantee of equal rights to family formation for all
6) Protection of safe abortion and sexual and reproductive rights
7) Guarantee of equal labor rights, including the introduction of gender pay transparency
Gender-equal democracy must begin now—not later. The National Solidarity will continue to move forward through solidarity and collective action to realize gender-equal legislation.
Meanwhile, on November 8, Co-Representative Hayoung Lee presented the South Korean experience at the international symposium held at Otsuma Women’s University in Japan, titled “Punishing Sex Buyers and Supporting Women in Prostitution: Learning from the Experiences of France and South Korea.” The event drew significant attention, with approximately 150 participants attending in person and more than 200 joining online.
Participants engaged in serious discussion, asking what steps should be taken—and what can realistically be done—to bring about change in Japan. Although the symposium involved consecutive interpretation among Korean, Japanese, and French, creating some logistical challenges, it was nevertheless a meaningful space of solidarity. Everyone present shared a common commitment and determination toward gender-equal change.
November Update from the National Solidarity against Sexual Exploitation of Women
In November, the National Solidarity against Sexual Exploitation of Women continued its advocacy efforts to amend the Act on the Punishment of Prostitution. On November 27, marking the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we held a joint press conference at Gwanghwamun Square under the title “Gender Equality Legislative Tasks the Lee Jae-myung Government Must Take Responsibility For.”
At the press conference, we clearly demanded that the government take immediate responsibility for the following urgent legislative tasks that can no longer be postponed:
1) Enactment of a comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act to build a society free from discrimination and hatred
2) Reform of the criminal law on rape to be based on consent
3) Full revision of the Act on the Punishment of Prostitution to decriminalize women in prostitution
4) Enactment of a law to punish intimate partner violence, ensuring that intimate relationships are the safest relationships
5) Guarantee of equal rights to family formation for all
6) Protection of safe abortion and sexual and reproductive rights
7) Guarantee of equal labor rights, including the introduction of gender pay transparency
Gender-equal democracy must begin now—not later. The National Solidarity will continue to move forward through solidarity and collective action to realize gender-equal legislation.
Meanwhile, on November 8, Co-Representative Hayoung Lee presented the South Korean experience at the international symposium held at Otsuma Women’s University in Japan, titled “Punishing Sex Buyers and Supporting Women in Prostitution: Learning from the Experiences of France and South Korea.” The event drew significant attention, with approximately 150 participants attending in person and more than 200 joining online.
Participants engaged in serious discussion, asking what steps should be taken—and what can realistically be done—to bring about change in Japan. Although the symposium involved consecutive interpretation among Korean, Japanese, and French, creating some logistical challenges, it was nevertheless a meaningful space of solidarity. Everyone present shared a common commitment and determination toward gender-equal change.