Debates Erupt Over `Sexpo'
A heated debate is erupting over the first sex exhibition in Korea.
The event organizers say there is nothing illegal about the expo,
but women leaders are criticizing it, asserting that the event
commercializes the female body.
The event, named "2006 Seoul Sex Edu Expo (Sexpo),'' will take
place at the Seoul Trade Exhibition and Convention Center in
southern Seoul from Aug. 31 through Sept. 3. The adults-only expo
will include various events such as strip shows, nude models photo
sessions and erotic underwear shows organized by 60 domestic and
overseas companies. Models from adult TV shows and magazines will
also participate in the expo.
This event will focus on educational programs rather than the
sensational exposure of sex and provide sex education,'' said an
organizer.
However, Korean Women's Associations United (KWAU) criticized the
sex expo and asked the Seoul city government to stop the event in
its statement on Tuesday. It said the event is commercializing
women's sexuality in the name of "edu''(education), and it
criticized the Seoul Metropolitan Government for approving the
event here.
Sexpo is organized from a man's point of view only; that kind of
event is not helpful for right and sound sex education,'' said Shin
Yeon-sook, head coordinator of KWAU.
When asked how the expo should be changed, she said it should deal
more with sexual matters beyond the sexual act itself such as
sexual dysfunction and gay or lesbian issues.
The Seoul city initially suspended the expo in July due to some
improper events such as displaying obscene masturbation tools, a
transgender beauty pageant and nude picture taking in an open
space.
We agree with the event organizers that they will obey all the
laws, and in case they violate them, we will stop all the events,''
said Kim Jong-min, an official at Seoul Metropolitan Government. He
added staff will monitor the events to ensure the shows are not
obscene.
Meanwhile, Sexpo plans to hold another sex expo in Pusan if the
Seoul expo ends successfully.