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The couples, who were reported to be unemployed, had headed to Busan in a rental car for purposes unknown. Sasang Police Station revealed that when they ran out of cash on their third day of travel, one of the men reportedly suggested prostitution as a way to earn cash. All of his companions took him up on the suggestion, and each person was given a role to play in the impromptu prostitution ring from obtaining clientele to selling their bodies. 

Starting on June 13, the travelers engaged in the illegal prostitution for a total of seven days. The men reportedly found interested clients through messaging apps, charging them anywhere between 100,000 KRW to 200,000 KRW (~$87 to $175 USD) for their services. According to police, the couples profited around 3 million KRW (~$2,628 USD). 

Authorities shut down the ring on Monday after monitoring the messaging apps and booked the couples without detention.