A Mission to Restore Dignity and Hope in Korea

The SSpS began a ministry in 2019 to support victims and survivors of sex trafficking, offering companionship, care, and a path toward healing. Through this ministry, the sisters provide holistic support for women, children, and adolescents trapped in prostitution, helping them regain hope, dignity, and a new lease on life.

In November 2019, the SSpS Korean Province launched a ministry focused on assisting women who are victims and survivors of sex trafficking. This initiative marks the first time we have partnered with a non-Catholic organization to address the human rights of marginalized women in Korea, working together to help them build new lives filled with hope and peace.

Our Mission

In the northern Gyeonggi-do region, rural during the Korean War, many villages were grouped primarily for the sexual gratification of US soldiers stationed in South Korea. The women involved were branded as “comfort women,” used primarily by US soldiers. These “Aunties,” as they were called, were forced into sexual slavery during and after the war, often through false promises of employment.

Today, most of them are over 70 years old. Many have undergone more than 20 abortions and l lost contact with their families. Some have children, with many of mixed race, while others live alone. We provide these women with companionship, accompanying them to clinics, organizing trips and concerts, and celebrating with them during events like Mother’s Day. Our goal is to ensure they feel supported and know they are not alone.

Women in Prostitution

Women who end up in prostitution often leave home at a young age and struggle to escape due to debts, addiction, and physical or mental trauma from abuse by brothel owners. Most are between the ages of 20 and 50 years old and face significant challenges reintegrating into society. Our organization assists those who want to leave prostitution by offering providing vocational training, psychiatric and medical care, and helping them access new job opportunities.

Sex Trafficking

South Korea’s fast internet connectivity has given rise to online crimes, particularly against children and adolescents. The proliferation of social media has helped increased sex-related offenses among the youth. We offer emotional and moral support, as well as individual and family counseling, to young victims, helping them reclaim their futures.

Red-Light District

During one outreach mission, we met a woman in her 20s, pale-skinned but always smiling. Although we didn’t speak much, we could sense the pain behind her smile. After not seeing her for a while, we ran into her again at another red-light district a year later. She confided that her mother had passed away recently, and she shared her difficult story.

After the parents divorced, she and her brother were sent to an orphanage at age 3. She left the orphanage at 19, but life outside proved even more difficult. She soon found herself in prostitution. Her mother, with whom she reconnected, was ill, in debt, and unable to pay her hospital bills. The woman was forced to continue prostitution to clear her mother’s debts and care for her.

Eventually, her mother’s health worsened, and she reached out to us on Pentecost, saying, “Sister, please take me out of here. I can’t live anymore.” With our help, she left the red-light district three months ago, moved into government housing, and began studying to become a bank employee. Reflecting on her 10 years in prostitution, she described it as a nightmare, but she now looks forward to a brighter future. We believe that her cry for help on Pentecost was brought to us by the Holy Spirit, and we are grateful to have been instruments in her journey toward healing.

Gratitude and Challenge

Although we wear the cross and vow rings, we do not wear the traditional habit, which allows us to engage with the broader community without them feeling judged. While it can be challenging to do missionary work without revealing our identity as religious sisters, we believe that our mission of love speaks louder than our status. Through this ministry, we see Jesus sending us to meet the marginalized of our time, offering respect, compassion, and companionship. He strengthens and encourages us, especially when we are tired, and helps us continue forward.

“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw the stone at her.” (John 8:7)

Sr. Venia, Mijin KIM SSpS – Province of Korea