"Earning KRW 20 Million a Month by Scratching Backs"… Why Men Are Lining Up to Pay KRW 60,000 per Hour

KRW 60,000 per Hour for Scratching an Itch
Unique Service in China Generates Monthly Revenue of KRW 2 Million

Image generated by artificial intelligence (AI) to aid in understanding the article. Gemini

A man in his 30s from China has drawn attention for earning monthly sales of 100,000 yuan (about 2 million KRW) by offering a service that scratches people's itchy spots on their behalf. Charging 300 yuan (about 60,000 KRW) per hour, he personally scratches customers' body parts, targeting urban consumers seeking not only relief from itching but also relaxation and stress reduction through this unique service.

An Hour of Itch Relief for 60,000 KRW... Why Male Customers Are Lining Up

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on September 3 (local time), Zhang Xiaochao, a 32-year-old from Hubei Province, operates two unique stores under the brand name "Suma" in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. Zhang opened his first store in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, in early May, followed by a second location in Futian District just one month later.

The store operates much like a massage parlor. Customers lie face down on a bed, and staff gently scratch various parts of their body, including their back, using specially made long, pointed nails or tools. The fee is 300 yuan (about 60,000 KRW) per hour, and if a customer requests a specific spot, staff focus on that area. Reports say some customers even burst into laughter from the tickling sensations at times.

A service that gently scratches the body of a customer lying face down on the bed while wearing specially made pointed nails. SCMP

According to Zhang, the combined monthly revenue of the two stores is around 100,000 yuan (about 2 million KRW), well past the break-even point. Approximately 70% of customers are male, and some have responded that the service is more comfortable than traditional massage. The number of repeat customers is steadily increasing, he explained.

A Social Media Video Sparked the Business Idea

Zhang was inspired to start the business after watching a short video on social networking services (SNS). The video showed a woman scratching her husband's back, which prompted comments from viewers saying they would pay someone to scratch their itch instead. This gave him the idea for the business. He added that childhood memories of falling asleep when his father scratched his back also influenced his entrepreneurial thinking.

Since similar services were difficult to find in China, Zhang researched and developed his own technique and approach to scratching. He experimented multiple times to find a method that would maximize customer satisfaction without irritating the skin, eventually perfecting the current version of the service.

Aiming for 100 Stores... Some Doubt the Business Potential

Zhang has plans to expand his business nationwide rather than limit himself to running a few unique outlets. His goal is to open 100 stores and establish "itch-scratching" as a professional service and recognized vocation in China.

The business idea has sparked a variety of reactions online in China. Some netizens have shown interest, asking if he is accepting apprentices and expressing a desire to learn the craft and open stores in Shanghai. Others commented that it might be even more relaxing than massage. On the other hand, there are doubts about the sustainability of the business. Some questioned whether there are really that many people willing to pay 300 yuan to have their backs scratched. As a result, there are mixed opinions as to whether this unique service can move beyond a passing trend and secure stable demand.

This case is noteworthy as an example of turning an everyday behavior into a paid service to create a new consumer market. Especially in major cities, demand for relaxation and stress relief services is on the rise, and so-called "niche services" that offer differentiated experiences from existing industries are emerging as new business opportunities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.