"Sauna With 1 Billion Won Annual Revenue" Goes Viral... Korean Owner Arrested by Japanese Police

Focusing on Regular Customers and Online Reputation
Illegal Prostitution at Sauna
Estimated 10,000 Visitors in One Year

A Korean business owner who had been facilitating illegal prostitution at a sauna in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, was arrested by the police. It was revealed that the establishment had generated nearly 1 billion won in illicit profits over the past year.

A Korean business owner who facilitated illegal prostitution was arrested by the police at a sauna in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. (Photo for illustrative purposes and unrelated to the article content). Pixabay

According to reports from local media outlets, including NHK, on September 4 (local time), the Saitama Prefectural Police recently arrested a total of four people, including Gwak, a 61-year-old Korean national who operated the men-only "Green Sauna," as well as female employees. They are accused of violating Japan's Adult Entertainment Business Act by providing sexual services to customers in an area where such business operations are prohibited.

Police investigations found that this sauna had gained a reputation online as a "fuzoku sauna" (sex-related business). It primarily offered a 90-minute "relax course," which cost 13,000 yen (approximately 120,000 won). Customers who selected this course received illegal sexual services in private rooms, along with massages. In contrast, the basic bathing fee was only 1,500 yen (about 14,000 won).

The police launched an investigation after receiving an anonymous tip and estimate that the sauna attracted an average of about 40 customers per day. It is believed that nearly 10,000 customers visited the establishment over the past year. The police have determined that the illegal business generated sales well in excess of 100 million yen (approximately 940 million won) and are currently investigating the exact business operations and flow of funds.

In particular, it is reported that the operators focused on regular customers rather than new clients in order to avoid police crackdowns. It has not yet been confirmed whether the four suspects who were arrested have admitted to the charges.