30 women are lined up to be chosen by one of four Korean male customers. Most of the females are ethnic Uzbeks

In a basement karaoke bar, as many as 30 women are lined up to be chosen by one of four Korean male customers. Most of the females are ethnic Uzbeks, standing around 170 cm. The karaoke bar is located in the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, home to more than 120 ethnicities. This blend means that among the Uzbek women at the bar that night, Korean and Middle Eastern women stand waiting to be chosen, as well.

About 30 to 50 customers were in line to visit the bar. Payment for sex is a little over US$100, an average month’s salary for locals. In Tashkent, eight Korean-style room salons are in operations, catering mainly to male Korean tourists, though recently, male Japanese tourists have caught on, as well. The entire situation uncovers the ugly side of hallyu, or the ’Korean cultural wave.’