9-9-2024 (SEOUL) A prominent digital advertisement featuring same-sex couples has been removed from the bustling streets of Seoul’s Gangnam district, merely four days after its debut.
The groundbreaking 20-second advert, promoting a dating app, first graced a colossal 6-storey digital billboard in Nonhyeon-dong on 26th August. The contract stipulated that the advert would air at least 100 times daily for an entire year, marking a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ visibility in the country.
Striking in its content, the advertisement depicted gay and lesbian couples in intimate moments – exchanging loving glances, sharing kisses, and embracing. These poignant scenes were adorned with rainbow flags and heart emojis, symbols widely associated with LGBTQ+ pride and love.
However, the progressive display was short-lived. On 30th August, the Gangnam-gu Office requested the immediate suspension of the advert, citing a flurry of complaints from the public. An official from the office stated, “Many complaints were received,” explaining that the decision was made in accordance with the Act on Management of Outdoor Advertisements and Promotion of Outdoor Advertising Industry. This legislation prohibits advertisements that “may harm public morals with obscene or decadent content.”
The sudden removal of the advert has left the company behind it feeling deflated and discouraged. The CEO expressed their frustration, saying, “We spent a lot of money to get the licensing contract for (the app’s) operation in the country, but it is like the project has gone belly-up.” They added, “We didn’t think that businesses related to sexual minorities would be treated this badly in 2024.”
