The real-life mermaids forced into 'slavery': How female swimmers are lured to China and forced to dive 70 times a day in aquarium tanks - after performer was attacked by giant fish
But for a growing number of women recruited to work as professional mermaids in China and South Korea, the reality is far from enchanting. She was promised a structured schedule - five shows a day, one day off per week, and a salary of 1.8 million Korean won (roughly £1,100). In the Chinese province of Yunnan, a huge sturgeon attacked a Russian mermaid mid-performance on January 28, 2025. The 'mermaid', known only as 22-year-old Russian performer Masha, was seen in footage gliding through water in an aquarium tank while wearing a bikini top and monotail. The athletes were competing in the 2024 China Mermaid Open & International Mermaid Competition and attracted divers from countries including China, South Korea, and Kazakhstan.
Source: The Times March 15, 2025 15:03 UTC
