Adult broadcast studios to be designated as prohibited facilities within educational environment protection zones
Kwon Hyang-yeop, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker representing the Suncheon, Gwangyang, Gokseong and Gurye-eul constituency, said Tuesday she had introduced amendments to the Youth Protection Act and the Act on the Protection of Educational Environments to ban internet adult broadcast studios from operating near schools.
The controversy emerged after an internet adult broadcast studio — commonly known as a "cyber room salon" — set up operations near an elementary school in Gangnam, Seoul, raising concerns about violations of children's right to learn, according to Kwon.
Parents filed complaints after cast members were spotted smoking on the street in revealing clothing just a two-minute walk from the school. Because the business type is not listed among restricted industries within educational environment protection zones, neither local authorities nor police have been able to take legal action.
The proposed amendments would designate businesses that produce and broadcast adult obscene content as establishments off-limits to minors — barring their entry and employment — and classify them as youth-harmful facilities to be included on the list of prohibited facilities within educational environment protection zones.
"We will swiftly close this legislative blind spot to create an educational environment where our children can grow up in a healthier and safer way," Kwon said.
bigroot@heraldcorp.com
