Seoul Authorities Force Cancellation of Adult Expo for 'Distorting Perceptions of Sex'

Seoul Authorities Force Cancellation of Adult Expo for 'Distorting Perceptions of Sex'

SEOUL, South Korea — After Seoul authorities repeatedly prevented 2024 KXF The Fashion from finding a suitable venue, event organizers have canceled the popular Korean adult industry expo, which was scheduled for this week.

The expo, which would have featured Japanese AV performers, was blocked from taking place at a cruise bar at a Han River park, and also at a cafe alley in Gangnam District.

“Banning the festival, local governments have expressed concerns that the event, featuring Japanese porn stars, could distort people’s perceptions of sex,” The Korea Times’ Lee Hyo-jin reported.

2024 KXF The Fashion was organized by Play Joker, but the company was prevented from finding alternate venues as local governments and even utilities forced each suggested location to cancel or reject bookings for the expo.

The expo was to feature a fashion show, a fan meetup and dance performances by several Japanese adult performers.

Previous versions of the expo also suffered from government pressure over the adult nature of the event. A February edition planned to take place at an exhibition hall in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, had to be changed after local residents protested. A potential replacement site in Paju, also in Gyeonggi Province, was also nixed by that city’s government.

Eventually, the February event was held at a bar on a boat anchored on the riverside of Jamwon Hangang Park, in Seoul, where this week’s edition of 2024 KXF The Fashion was set to take place.

However, the Korea Times reported, the Seoul Metropolitan Government “prohibited the hosting of the festival last week, citing concerns that the event could ‘distort people’s perceptions of sex’ and potentially trigger sex crimes. This decision was based on the River Act and the capital’s regulations on riverside projects and events.”

Play Joker attempted to defy city hall, but the government warned the company that it would cut off electricity at the boat bar if they held the event.

On Monday, Play Joker’s Instagram account announced that the event would take place in the Apgujeong neighborhood in Gangnam District, not disclosing the specific venue. Those who bought advanced tickets would be notified by Friday night, rave-style.

The Gangnam District Office responded by warning the hundreds of cafes and bars in the buzzy neighborhood made famous by Psy’s global hit that “hosting the adult festival would be illegal according to the Food Sanitation Act,” the Korea Times reported.

Reform Party Politician Stands Up for Adult Entertainment

On Wednesday, Chun Ha-ram, a Reform Party lawmaker-elect, wrote on Facebook in support of 2024 KXF The Fashion, stating that he believed that “enjoying adult culture in adults-only spaces should be allowed.”

“Somewhere along the line,” he wrote, “our society began applying strange standards where basic instincts of women are widely recognized as rightful, while men’s instincts are stigmatized as inherently criminal and repulsive.”

Chun added that the act of censorship could also be viewed as gender discrimination against men, mentioning past adult shows and musicals aimed at women that took place in Seoul without official outrage.

Chun urged the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Gangnam District Office to reconsider the ban, the Korea Times reported.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Octavia Red Stars in Latest From Deeper

Octavia Red stars with Manuel Ferrera in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Deeper, titled “She Done Him Wrong.”

Canadian Senator Revives Push for National AV Law

Sen. Julie Miville-Dechêne, whose previous multiple attempts to legislate national age verification requirements all failed, has introduced a new bill that would impose fines of up to $500,000 on adult sites that do not implement age verification for Canadian viewers.

Sarah Arabic, Vicki Chase Topline Dorcel's 'The Next Step'

Sarah Arabic and Vicki Chase star with multi-XMAs winner Seth Gamble in the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “The Next Step.”

FSC Submits Statement to House Committee in Support of FIRM Act

Free Speech Coalition has announced that it submitted a statement to the House Financial Services Committee in support of the Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act.The announcement follows:

Plaiir Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Plaiir has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Sabien DeMonia to Drop 'Sabien Ass Fuck'

Evil Angel has announced “Sabien Ass Fuck,” the first title from director/performer Sabien DeMonia.

Trump Tariffs Remain in Effect Pending Appeal of Trade Court Ruling

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Thursday stayed an injunction by the U.S. Court of International Trade, delaying the trade court’s order blocking the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs, which have significantly impacted the pleasure industry.

FSC Issues Guidance on Kansas Age Verification Suits

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an advisory article for adult websites operating in Kansas, following several private lawsuits filed under the state's age verification law.

Bree Mills on Directing 'Escape From Camp Conversion' for Adult Time's Girlcore Banner

Bree Mills was out running one day when the title of her next movie came to her: "Escape From Camp Conversion." The chief creative officer of Adult Time had been thinking about how to combine her love for queer cinema and lesbian pulp fiction with the distinct aesthetic of the 1980s.

Ricky's Room Signs Willow Ryder to 1-Year Deal

Ricky’s Room has signed Willow Ryder to a non-exclusive, multi-scene contract for one year.

Show More