The organizers of a controversial Japanese adult actress festival have relocated the event for the third time after a warning from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The festival was initially planned for Suwon Messe, a private convention center in Seodun-dong, Gwonseon District, Suwon, Gyeonggi. The Suwon city government requested the convention center cancel the contract due to laws protecting the educational environment, as the venue is located near an elementary school. The organizers then decided to relocate the festival to a studio in Paju but faced opposition and decided to relocate to Han River Park. Now, the Seoul Metropolitan government has threatened to cut off electricity at the Han River Park venue.
On Sunday, the festival's organizers announced a new location: US Cruise, a riverside bar on a boat in Jamwon Han River Park, Gangnam District, Seoul.
The Seoul city government informed the venue on Saturday that such festivals are illegal, stating, “Adult festivals are morally harmful as they can distort gender perceptions and potentially lead to sexual assaults.”
They also cited the River Act and Excursion Ship and Ferry Business Act prohibiting such events. The city government warned of potential actions, including filing complaints, terminating the bar's lease, or revoking its permission to use the river. They even threatened to "block the area" and "disconnect electricity" if the festival proceeded.
In response, the festival moved to Apgujeong in Gangnam District, Seoul, without publicly disclosing the exact location. Ticket holders will receive the venue details via text message on Friday.
Since its announcement, the festival has faced protests from civic groups and women’s advocacy organizations.
The adults-only festival will feature a lingerie show and dance performances, with an entry fee of 89,000 won ($64). This event was intended to be the second, following the inaugural festival held in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi, last December.
SEE ALSO: Suwon city urges the cancellation of the Japanese adult actress festival
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Irony is they're giving this festival so much free advertising by constantly messing with it that people who would have never known it happened now know about it.
We'd never be seeing these stories if it just took place when and where it was first scheduled.