Paju City Mayor Kim Kyung-il has raised concerns about potential prostitution at the upcoming “2024 KFX The Fashion” adult festival, organized by Play Joker. The festival, originally scheduled to take place in Suwon, was moved to Paju due to local opposition and has since faced cancellations at alternative venues along the Han River and in Seoul’s Gangnam district.
Mayor Kim emphasized the need for strict regulatory measures, citing suspicions of prostitution at last year’s festival, where “special services” reportedly cost around 3.5 million won. He argued that the high entrance fees and enclosed spaces create a risk of illicit activities.
However, lawmaker Cheon Ha-ram has questioned the selective enforcement of laws, pointing out that room salons, where male clients are entertained by hostesses, remain open despite similar concerns. Cheon defended the legality of adult film actors and criticized the use of public authority to interfere in cultural affairs without clear evidence of illegal activities.
Cheon believes that law enforcement should target specific illegal acts, such as the production and distribution of adult film content, rather than banning events based on the professions of the participants. He also dismissed Mayor Kim’s concerns about the proximity of the festival to schools, arguing that visibility is more important than distance.
As the festival’s future remains uncertain, the debate reflects broader societal concerns regarding morality, legality, and cultural expression. The event organizers have announced plans to reschedule the festival for June, but the controversy is likely to continue over the balance between cultural freedom and regulatory oversight.
