Jongam Police Station

Kim Kang-ja, a name synonymous with justice, echoes through the halls of Jongam Police Station. This unassuming building, located at 135 Jongam-ro in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, witnessed a pivotal moment in Korean history thanks to her leadership. Jongam Police Station, under Kim’s command, became the epicenter of a battle against exploitation and injustice. Kim Kang-ja, nicknamed “the terminator cop,” arrived at Jongam Police Station in 2000. Her mission was clear: dismantle the notorious Miari red-light district, a 9,900-square-meter area teeming with approximately 260 brothels. Kim was shocked by the prevalence of underage prostitution. Nearly half of the estimated 2,000 sex workers in Miari were underage girls. These girls were trapped, often held against their will and subjected to horrific abuse. The brothel owners, exploiting their vulnerability, confiscated most of their earnings. Kim Kang-ja at Jongam Police Station launched a relentless crackdown. She combined a firm hand with a compassionate approach. She urged brothel owners to release the underage girls voluntarily, backing her plea with the threat of arrest. Her reputation as a resolute and effective officer preceded her. Many brothel owners heeded her warning. Those who defied her faced the full force of the law. Jongam Police Station, typically a place of law enforcement, transformed into a beacon of hope for these young women. Kim’s efforts resulted in the liberation of countless underage girls and the effective end of child prostitution in Miari. Her crusade for justice didn’t stop there. Kim Kang-ja, operating from Jongam Police Station, then tackled the broader issue of human rights abuses within the sex trade. She fought against human trafficking, illegal detention, and violence against sex workers. Jongam Police Station became a symbol of her unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable. While previous police chiefs had made similar promises, Kim was the first to deliver. Her success at Jongam Police Station laid the groundwork for the 2004 ban on the sex trade in South Korea. Ironically, Kim herself opposed the ban, advocating instead for state regulation to protect the livelihoods of women who relied on sex work. Kim’s legacy extends far beyond Jongam Police Station. Her actions sparked a shift in public perception of sex crime victims. She challenged the prevailing view that victims were somehow complicit in their suffering, paving the way for greater understanding and empathy. So, as you stand before Jongam Police Station, remember Kim Kang-ja. Remember her unwavering dedication to justice and her courageous fight against exploitation. This building stands as a testament to her indomitable spirit and the transformative power of one person’s commitment to making a difference.