Festival with Japanese adult entertainers relocates again after Seoul gov't warns venue

Social Affairs

Published: 16 Apr. 2024, 17:44 Updated: 16 Apr. 2024, 18:06

Festival with Japanese adult entertainers relocates again after Seoul gov't warns venue

People spend time at Han River Park in Yeouido, western Seoul, on March 31. [NEWS1]

The organizers of a controversial "adult festival" featuring racy entertainment relocated the event again after the Seoul Metropolitan Government warned it would take strong measures against the Han River Park venue that was to host it, including "cutting off electricity" if necessary.

The “2024 KXF The Fashion” festival, featuring Japanese adult entertainers, was supposed to take place in Suwon, Gyeonggi, on April 20 and 21 but was canceled at the city government’s request.

The festival operator announced on Sunday that it would move the event to US Cruise, a bar on a boat anchored on the riverside of Jamwon Han River Park, Gangnam District, in southern Seoul.

According to local media reports, the Seoul city government told the venue on Saturday that such festivals were illegal.

“Adult festivals are morally harmful as they can distort gender perceptions and potentially lead to sexual assaults,” the Seoul city government said in a notice to the venue.

It also said — without further explanation — that the River Act and Excursion Ship and Ferry Business Act prohibit adult festivals.

The city government warned it would take measures such as filing complaints, canceling the bar's lease or rescinding its permission to occupy and use the river.

An advertisement for the adult festival [SCREEN CAPTURE]

The city also warned that it would "block the area” and “cut off electricity” if the festival host company pressed ahead with holding the event at the venue.

Due to the backlash, the festival relocated its event to Apgujeong in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, without publicly disclosing the exact location. This will be its third relocation.

Ticket holders will be notified of the exact location by text message on Friday, according to the festival host.

The festival was originally to be held at Suwon Messe, a private convention center in Seodun-dong, Gwonseon District in Suwon, Gyeonggi.

However, the Suwon city government officially asked the convention center to cancel its contract with the event's host, citing laws protecting the educational environment as the venue is only about 50 meters from an elementary school.

The festival has also faced protests from civic groups and women’s advocacy organizations since it was announced.

It initially relocated to a studio in Paju, Gyeonggi, but faced a backlash from the Paju city government and relocated again.

The adult-only festival will include a lingerie show and dance performances featuring adult entertainers. Entry is 89,000 won ($64), according to the festival host.

This month's festival was supposed to be the second, following last December's first, which was held in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi.

BY LEE HAY-JUNE, KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]