The Allure and exploitation of ‘Kdrama Date’
Table of Contents
The website promised clients immersive experiences inspired by popular Korean dramas, but authorities say it crossed the line into criminal activity.
- The website Kdramadate offered paid interactions with Korean men in Sao Paulo, Brazil, promising experiences mirroring Korean dramas.
- Rikito morikawa, a Japanese citizen, is accused of orchestrating the scheme and recruiting participants.
Korean dramas, or Kdramas, have gained immense global popularity, often portraying idealized romantic relationships. Though,Kdramadate reportedly misused this cultural phenomenon,offering clients the chance to “live out their Kdrama fantasies” for a price. According to G1, the website facilitated paid interactions between clients and korean men in Sao paulo.
Packages offered and pricing
Kdramadate advertised four packages: a casual coffee date, dinner at a traditional Korean steakhouse, a walk in the park, and an “intimate experience” at a motel or private residence. Bored Panda reported that the site also promised clients whispered lines from popular series and Korean drama-style photo shoots with their “dates.”
A screenshot of a conversation submitted as a complaint to the consulate revealed pricing details. One hour of intimate encounters was listed at BRL 70 (approximately Rp. 212,000), while three hours cost BRL 170 (around Rp. 516,000).
Investigation and Legal Ramifications
The commercialization of these encounters drew the attention of the Consulate General of the Republic of south Korea in Sao Paulo and the Brazilian Association of Korean Citizens, both initiating investigations. The consulate issued its first warning about Kdramadate on October 23, urging potential victims to come forward.
Days later, after analyzing evidence and testimonies, the agency steadfast the website was involved in crimes of sexual exploitation. While prostitution is legal in Brazil when practiced by consenting adults who contribute to Brazil’s Social Security Institute (INSS), sexual exploitation-the commercialization of another person’s sexual services-is illegal.
False Address and Recruitment Tactics
Bruno Kim, president of the Brazilian Association of Korean Citizens, told G1 that he and Rafael kang, a criminal lawyer from the consulate, discovered the address listed on Kdramadate led not to a company headquarters, but to the Hiroshima Cultural Centre. The cultural center subsequently issued a legal notice to Rikito Morikawa, prompting him to remove the address and replace it with another.
According to the lawyer, Rikito allegedly recruited at least ten young men of Korean descent via Instagram, WhatsApp, and phone calls. Rikito, 23, from Hiroshima, presented himself on the website as “an international model with roots that combine Korean and Japanese charm, fluent in 4 languages, and passionate about Brazilian culture,” claiming to “bring the magic of Korean dramas to real life.”
Featured snippet
What is kdramadate? Kdramadate was a website that offered clients the opportunity to pay for dates and intimate encounters with Korean men in Sao Paulo,Brazil,promising experiences inspired by popular Korean dramas. Authorities are investigating the site for alleged sexual exploitation.
(ask/rns)
