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.