The Suwon Women’s Network held a press conference in front of Suwon Station Cultural Square. (Image courtesy of Suwon Women’s Hotline)
SUWON, Mar. 14 (Korea Bizwire) – A festival featuring Japanese adult video (AV) performers scheduled for next month in Suwon, South Korea, has sparked backlash from women’s and civic groups, labeling the event as an act of sexual exploitation.
On March 12, the Suwon Women’s Network, comprising seven women’s organizations, along with a coalition of about 30 civic groups known as the Suwon Civic Society Organizations Council, held a press conference in front of Suwon Station Cultural Square.
They vehemently condemned the adult expo titled “2024 KXF The Fashion,” criticizing it for commodifying women’s bodies and sexual acts.
The groups argued that the event, far from promoting a safe and liberated sexual culture, blatantly exploits women’s sexuality for profit, fostering a culture supportive of prostitution.
“This is a serious form of sexual violence, treating women as sexual objects and their bodies as mere ‘playthings’ for consumption,” they stated.
The protest highlighted concerns that the event merely serves to normalize prostitution as a means of satisfying male sexual desires, thereby exploiting and commodifying women’s sexuality. The organizations have demanded an immediate halt to the event.
The “2024 KXF The Fashion” adult expo, organized by an adult content production company, is set to take place on April 20 and 21 at Suwon Messe, a private exhibition hall in Seodun-dong, Gwonseon-gu, Suwon.
The “2024 KXF The Fashion” adult expo, organized by an adult content production company, is set to take place on April 20 and 21 at Suwon Messe. (Image courtesy of Korea Adult Content Association)
Following an earlier event held in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province last December, this marks the second iteration of the expo.
Attendees, who must verify their age to enter, can pay an admission fee to meet Japanese AV stars, receive autographs, take photos, and watch lingerie fashion shows.
In defense, the organizers argue that prejudices equating adult content with illegality are driving adult culture underground and in unhealthy directions.
Citing a study published in “The Scientist,” they claim that increased consumption of adult content correlates with a decrease in sex crimes.
“It’s time for Korea to allow adults to freely enjoy and share adult culture in a healthy and proper manner. Creating such an environment will eventually change public perception,” the organizers asserted.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
